AUSTIN _ The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas will host Open Government Seminars in the north Houston area, El Paso and the Rio Grande Valley in May and June featuring training in the state’s public meetings and public records laws.
The non-profit FOI Foundation, partnering with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office, will offer one-day seminars designed for government employees, journalists, attorneys and members of the general public who want to learn more about the Texas Public Information Act and Texas Open Meetings Act.
“This seminar highlighting Texas’ open government laws helps to inform citizens of their rights and responsibilities as they participate in our democracy,” said Kelley Shannon, executive director of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas.
Seminars will be held in Conroe on Tuesday, May 3; in El Paso on Tuesday, May 10; and in McAllen on Thursday, June 9. Registration is available on the FOI Foundation website.
Supporting the FOI Foundation as sponsors of the Conroe seminar are the Houston Chronicle and IntegrityTitle.com. Sponsoring the El Paso seminar are the El Paso Times, IntegrityTItle.com and the law firm Windle, Hood, Norton, Brittain & Jay, LLP. Sponsoring the McAllen seminar are The Monitor and IntegrityTitle.com.
Each event begins at 9 a.m. with the Attorney General’s Office providing training on the Texas Public Information Act and TPIA cost rules. Those sessions are free and conclude at 11:30 a.m.
The FOI Foundation will present a session at each seminar on the Texas Open Meetings Act starting at 1 p.m. and concluding at 2:45 p.m. Admission for this session is $50.
Participants may attend either or both sessions, which are approved by the Attorney General’s Office as meeting the state requirements for open government training for public officials. The seminar also qualifies for Continuing Legal Education through the State Bar of Texas.
To register and for further details, click here or contact the FOI Foundation office at 512-377-1575.