foiftexas

About FOIFT

This author has not yet filled in any details.
So far FOIFT has created 746 blog entries.

Rule 12 grants access to judges’ emails, payroll information

2014-09-23T16:35:35-05:00

By Angela Morris Texas Lawyer Originally published Sept. 19, 2014 Lawyers might be interested in a little-known tool to request copies of courts' administrative records such as emails, calendars and payroll records. During a Sept. 12 panel at the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas annual conference, solo Joel White said that in 1998 he helped draft the tool—Rule 12 of the Rules of Judicial Administration. The Texas Public Information Act doesn't apply to the judiciary, but Rule 12 is sort of like the judiciary's version of an open records law. White explained that the public can use Rule 12 to [...]

Rule 12 grants access to judges’ emails, payroll information2014-09-23T16:35:35-05:00

Texas court tosses out ‘improper photography’ law as a free speech violation

2014-09-17T18:16:17-05:00

By Chuck Lindell Austin American-Statesman Originally published Sept. 17, 2014 The state’s highest criminal court on Wednesday tossed out a state law banning “improper photography” — photos or videos taken in a public place without consent and with the purpose of sexual gratification — as a violation of free-speech rights. In an 8-1 ruling, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals said photos, much like paintings and films, are “inherently expressive” and therefore protected by the First Amendment. “Protecting someone who appears in public from being the object of sexual thoughts seems to be the sort of paternalistic interest in regulating the defendant’s [...]

Texas court tosses out ‘improper photography’ law as a free speech violation2014-09-17T18:16:17-05:00

Commentary: Why we need FOIA reform now

2014-09-17T15:43:32-05:00

By Anne L. Weismann Roll Call Originally published Sept. 17, 2014 Congress has returned from a month-long recess with a full plate and few legislative days left. Although it faces many competing priorities, Congress must pass the FOIA Improvement Act of 2014, a bill that enjoys bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate. If enacted, this legislation truly will be a game changer, restoring the Freedom of Information Act to its original intended purpose of offering a “check against corruption” and “hold[ing] the governors accountable to the governed,” in the words of the Supreme Court. Key provisions of the [...]

Commentary: Why we need FOIA reform now2014-09-17T15:43:32-05:00

Former ‘Eagle’ editor, publisher Donnis Baggett honored at FOI Foundation conference

2014-09-15T14:47:12-05:00

The Eagle Staff Report Originally published Sept. 13, 2014 Veteran journalist Donnis Baggett, former publisher and editor of The Eagle, was honored Friday by the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas for his work in fighting for open government and the First Amendment. Baggett, who is executive vice president of the Texas Press Association, leads the group's governmental affairs program, which focuses on protecting open records, open meetings and public notice at all levels of government. "When you wrap yourself in the First Amendment for four decades, it's always front of mind, and it's easy to assume that it's front of [...]

Former ‘Eagle’ editor, publisher Donnis Baggett honored at FOI Foundation conference2014-09-15T14:47:12-05:00

Legal contracts, details of Perry’s representation, now secret

2014-09-10T15:41:45-05:00

By Angela Morris Texas Lawyer Originally published Sept. 9, 2014 When Gov. Rick Perry, facing two felony charges, chose to pay his lawyers from his campaign account instead of using state funds, the move eased the burden on taxpayers but also drew a veil of secrecy across details of Perry's representation. Using the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Lawyer asked the Office of the Governor for legal contracts and payment amounts for five lawyers that Perry hired immediately following his indictment. The office only released the contracts for criminal defense lawyer David Botsford, who received $79,550 in June, and Baker Botts [...]

Legal contracts, details of Perry’s representation, now secret2014-09-10T15:41:45-05:00

CONTACT INFO

  • Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas
    Kelley Shannon, Executive Director
    3001 N. Lamar Blvd., Suite 302
    Austin, Texas 78705

  • (512) 377-1575

  • [email protected]

TEXAS FOI NEWS

QUICK LINKS

MENU

RESOURCES

© Copyright 2025 | The Freedom of Information Foundation | All Rights Reserved | by HelixSEO

Toggle Sliding Bar Area
Go to Top