AUSTIN _ The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas announced details Wednesday of an upcoming Open Government Seminar in El Paso featuring training in the state’s public meetings and public records laws.
The non-profit FOI Foundation, partnering with Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s office, will offer the one-day seminar on Feb. 28. It is designed for government employees, journalists and members of the general public who want to learn more about the Texas Public Information Act and Texas Open Meetings Act.
“We are pleased to provide training on Texas’ open government laws, which are essential tools for citizens as they participate in our democracy,” said Kelley Shannon, executive director of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas.
The El Paso Times is supporting the FOI Foundation as a sponsor of the seminar.
The event will take place at the El Paso Independent School District’s Professional Development Center, 6500-K Boeing Drive, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Attorney General’s Office will begin the day with training on the Texas Public Information Act at 9 a.m. followed by training on TPIA cost rules. Those sessions are free.
The FOI Foundation will present an afternoon training session on the Texas Open Meetings Act by attorney Thomas Williams, the foundation’s vice president, starting at 1:30 p.m. The afternoon session fee is $50 to help cover materials and other seminar costs. The sessions are approved by the Attorney General’s Office as meeting the state requirements for open government training for public officials. The daylong seminar also qualifies for Continuing Legal Education through the State Bar of Texas.
To register, visit the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas website “Activities and Programs” tab and then “Open Government Seminars” or click here. For further information contact the FOI Foundation office at 512-377-1575.