FOIFT – Page 10 – Freedom of Information Foundation Texas

Protect free speech: Don’t mess with Texas’ anti-SLAPP law

FOIFT2023-04-24T12:15:24-05:00

Protect free speech: Don't mess with Texas' anti-SLAPP law Guest Column By Will Creeley Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression When it comes to criticizing the powerful or politically connected, the First Amendment protects the little guy. No matter who you are or how much money you have in the bank, you have the right to speak your mind. Because the Founders knew all too well the danger of granting the government the power to decide who can and cannot speak, the First Amendment was designed to shield speakers from government retribution. But these days, the government isn’t the only Goliath, and [...]

Protect free speech: Don’t mess with Texas’ anti-SLAPP lawFOIFT2023-04-24T12:15:24-05:00

‘Dead suspect loophole’ bill moving forward in Texas Legislature after Uvalde

FOIFT2023-05-04T16:58:11-05:00

By Matt Grant KXAN Originally published April 13, 2023 Update May 4, 2023: The Texas House of Representatives gave preliminary approval to HB 30 with a vote of 112-31. AUSTIN (KXAN) — Nearly a year after 19 elementary school students and two teachers were murdered in Uvalde — followed by a steady stream of incorrect and incomplete information released to the public — Texas House lawmakers heard testimony on a bill that would end the state’s controversial “dead suspect loophole.” For years, KXAN has investigated this loophole, which allows police to keep information secret in closed criminal cases that don’t go [...]

‘Dead suspect loophole’ bill moving forward in Texas Legislature after UvaldeFOIFT2023-05-04T16:58:11-05:00

House Committee hears Texas Sunshine Coalition’s searchable-sortable records bill

FOIFT2023-04-05T14:15:38-05:00

The Texas House Committee on State Affairs heard testimony Wednesday in support of legislation that would ensure requestors can obtain public information in spreadsheet format, if it's stored that way. House Bill 2493 by Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, is one of several transparency bills the diverse Texas Sunshine Coalition is working to pass this legislative session. A spreadsheet, or searchable-sortable format for large volumes of data, helps citizens better analyze information and keep a watch on government. Individual citizens, community groups, research organizations and journalists all benefit from the availability of searchable-sortable information. Rod Bordelon of the Texas Public Policy Foundation [...]

House Committee hears Texas Sunshine Coalition’s searchable-sortable records billFOIFT2023-04-05T14:15:38-05:00

First of the Texas Sunshine Coalition bills gets hearing at Capitol

FOIFT2023-03-27T11:21:58-05:00

The Texas House State Affairs Committee has held a hearing on House Bill 2309 by Chairman Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi. The measure, part of the Texas Sunshine Coalition agenda, would ensure public access to dates of birth in criminal justice records and candidates' applications to run for public office. Laura Prather, co-chair of the FOIFT's legislative committee, testified in support of the bill on Wednesday, March 22. She noted that matching a birthdate when someone has a common name prevents mistaken identification and helps with accuracy in news reporting, background checks conducted by businesses and the vetting of candidates for public [...]

First of the Texas Sunshine Coalition bills gets hearing at CapitolFOIFT2023-03-27T11:21:58-05:00

Transparency legislation at the Texas Capitol a bipartisan effort

FOIFT2023-03-13T11:18:12-05:00

By Kelley Shannon To witness bipartisanship at the Texas Capitol, look to the lawmakers who are working to improve open government laws. Legislators from both political parties are igniting interest in transparency and creating the opportunity for all lawmakers to protect the people’s right to know. They’re carrying on our state’s legacy of openness. When the reform-minded 1973 Legislature enacted the Texas Public Information Act, known then as the Open Records Act, it established one of the nation’s strongest transparency laws. This year marks its 50th anniversary. Court rulings and other actions have weakened the law, but as we celebrate open [...]

Transparency legislation at the Texas Capitol a bipartisan effortFOIFT2023-03-13T11:18:12-05:00

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