FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2026
FOI Foundation of Texas to hold Open Government Seminar on May 19 in El Paso
AUSTIN – The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas is holding an Open Government Seminar in El Paso on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, featuring training in state open meetings and public records laws.
The free seminar will take place from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the El Paso Community Foundation, 333 N. Oregon St., on the first floor. The nonprofit FOI Foundation of Texas is offering the seminar in cooperation with the Texas Attorney General’s Office.
“The training sessions are open to the public and are designed for government employees, journalists, attorneys and engaged citizens – anyone interested in learning more about the Texas Public Information Act and Texas Open Meetings Act,” said Kelley Shannon, executive director of the FOI Foundation of Texas.
The seminar agenda is as follows:
8:30 a.m.: Check-in begins.
9 a.m. to 10 a.m.: Tom Williams, an FOI Foundation board member and a partner in the Fort Worth office of Haynes & Boone, LLP, presents training on the Texas Open Meetings Act.
10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.: Tamara Smith, Open Records Division chief with the Texas Attorney General’s Office, presents training on the Texas Public Information Act.
11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.: Tamara Smith presents training on the cost rules associated with the Texas Public Information Act.
The sessions are approved as meeting the state requirements for open government training for public officials. State Bar CLE is pending. Reservations are encouraged, but not required. RSVP to [email protected]. For more information go to www.foift.org or call 512-377-1575.
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