Open Government Seminars address timely topics related to the Texas Public Information Act and Texas Open Meetings Act and include updates on recent changes to the laws. The program provides detailed training and is directed toward government employees, attorneys, journalists and anyone wanting to learn more about open government laws. The half-day seminars are offered in cooperation with the Office of the Texas Attorney General. This course is approved as meeting the requirements for open government training for public officials. State Bar of Texas Continuing Legal Education credits are also available.
The next Open Government Seminar will be Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, in Amarillo. The seminar is free. The seminar will take place from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Amarillo Area Foundation, 919 S. Polk. The nonprofit FOI Foundation of Texas is offering the seminar in cooperation with the Texas Attorney General’s Office.
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.
Reservations are encouraged, but not required. RSVP to [email protected] or call 512-377-1575.
Past Open Government Seminars
2020
Corpus Christi
2018
Brownsville
Stay tuned for dates and cities of future Open Government Seminars!