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 take place Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in El Paso, at the El Paso Community Foundation, 333 N. Oregon St., second floor. Here’s the agenda:
8:30 a.m.: Check-in begins
9 a.m. to 10 a.m.: Tom Williams, an FOI Foundation board member and attorney with 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 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] or call 512-377-1575.
2020
Corpus Christi
2018
Brownsville
Stay tuned for dates and cities of future Open Government Seminars!