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2021 State Conference Videos

2021-10-05T20:10:31-05:00

Video recordings from the FOI Foundation's Sept. 24, 2021, state conference in Austin: Panel: Law enforcement transparency - Where do we stand?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlmmT9QWtmY Panel: Texas Legislature - Looking Aheadhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8wolQGfpTk Panel: Pro tips - Managing information roadblockshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJ4MIPpyV2s Spirit of FOI Awards Presentationhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EtVXDkxE28James Madison Award presentation honoring Patrick Cantyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XP2iXFBaDmo Luncheon Keynote: Interview of Texas Land Commissioner and AG candidate George P. Bush, by Bob Garrett of the Dallas Morning News; preceded by FOIFT board president Arif Panju remembering FOI hero Ralph Langerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3Qf75jkapY

2021 State Conference Videos2021-10-05T20:10:31-05:00

Odessa American, KXAN win Spirit of FOI Awards

2022-04-06T11:42:15-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESept. 24, 2021 AUSTIN – Two Texas news organizations that shined a spotlight on lack of public access to police records have won this year’s Spirit of FOI Awards presented by the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. The Odessa American and KXAN in Austin, the award winners, were honored Friday at the FOI Foundation’s state conference in Austin. The Nancy Monson Spirit of FOI Award highlights journalism that upholds First Amendment rights and promotes or uses open government laws. “Congratulations to the reporters and newsroom leaders who pressed for police records and called attention to information roadblocks. Journalists [...]

Odessa American, KXAN win Spirit of FOI Awards2022-04-06T11:42:15-05:00

New transparency laws effective Sept. 1

2021-09-02T17:57:48-05:00

Two new Texas transparency laws passed in the spring legislative session took effect Sept. 1, addressing public records problems that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic. Senate Bill 930 by Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, and Rep. Mayes Middleton, R-Wallisville, ensures that governmental entities must release information on COVID-19 and other communicable disease outbreaks in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The names and locations of the facilities must be made available to the public. Individual patient information will be protected. Senate Bill 1225 by Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, and Rep. Chris Paddie, R-Marshall, clarifies the "catastrophe notice" provision of the Texas Public [...]

New transparency laws effective Sept. 12021-09-02T17:57:48-05:00

Odessa American publisher, veteran journalist Patrick Canty to receive James Madison Award

2022-04-07T15:58:13-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAug. 26, 2021 AUSTIN – Odessa American publisher Patrick Canty, whose newspaper has waged a lengthy legal battle for access to local public records, will be honored with the prestigious James Madison Award. The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas bestows the award on those who demonstrate outstanding commitment to the principles of the First Amendment and open government. It will be presented at the foundation’s state conference Sept. 24. Canty’s team of journalists has pressed the city of Odessa for nearly two years to provide public records, such as basic police information, in a timely manner as required by law. [...]

Odessa American publisher, veteran journalist Patrick Canty to receive James Madison Award2022-04-07T15:58:13-05:00

Time to register: FOI Foundation state conference coming up Sept. 24

2022-04-07T16:10:20-05:00

Mark your calendars and register today for the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas state conference, to be held in person on Friday, Sept. 24, at the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center on the University of Texas campus. Registration is also available for live virtual attendance for those who cannot make it in person. COVID-19 safety precautions, such as social distancing and other measures, will be in place. Among the confirmed speakers and panelists are Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush, a candidate for attorney general; state Rep. Joe Moody of El Paso; Eva Ruth Moravec of the Texas Justice Initiative; [...]

Time to register: FOI Foundation state conference coming up Sept. 242022-04-07T16:10:20-05:00

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]

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