FOIFT, Author at Freedom of Information Foundation Texas

Palestine, Texas, city council improves technology to ensure public can access virtual meetings

FOIFT2020-04-01T16:24:34-05:00

By William PatrickPalestine Herald-PressOriginally published March 31, 2020 More than $2,000 of audio and video upgrades over the last week allowed Palestine City Council members Monday to meet virtually – and fully include the public. Computer equipment improvements came after audio and video problems marred last week’s council meeting. Dozens of residents complained on social media that they couldn't hear or understanding council discussions or action. The video failed just prior to a council vote. Critics questioned whether the council inadvertently violated the Texas Open Meetings Act, which was amended by Gov. Greg Abbot to include virtual meetings during the COVID-19 [...]

Palestine, Texas, city council improves technology to ensure public can access virtual meetingsFOIFT2020-04-01T16:24:34-05:00

Open government awareness during coronavirus emergency

FOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:21-05:00

By Kelley ShannonExecutive DirectorFreedom of Information Foundation of Texas The coronavirus emergency is creating trying times for public officials and citizens when it comes to open government. But transparency and the public's right to know are vitally important during a disaster. We need more information flowing now, not less. Here are reminders and resources for complying with Texas transparency laws during the COVID-19 outbreak: Gov. Greg Abbott has suspended one portion of the Texas Open Meetings Act dealing with public gatherings during a videoconference or telephone meeting of a public body, but all other aspects of the law remain in force. [...]

Open government awareness during coronavirus emergencyFOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:21-05:00

Gov. Abbott suspends part of Texas Open Meetings Act during coronavirus emergency

FOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:23-05:00

By Kelley ShannonExecutive DirectorFOI Foundation of Texas We at the FOI Foundation of Texas recognize the need to avoid large public gatherings right now during the coronavirus outbreak. Gov. Greg Abbott's suspension of part of the Texas Open Meetings Act allows additional options for governments holding virtual meetings, either through telephone or videoconferencing. Virtual meetings are already permitted under the law, but this action removes the requirement of a physical location for the public to observe the video or phone meeting. It also removes the requirement that a quorum of a governmental body be physically present in one location. Members of [...]

Gov. Abbott suspends part of Texas Open Meetings Act during coronavirus emergencyFOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:23-05:00

Sunshine Week Column: Sun starting to shine again on Texas government

FOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:24-05:00

By Kelley Shannon Texans have something to celebrate during Sunshine Week this year. But we also have more work to do to protect the public’s right to know about our government. Sunshine Week, March 15-21, is an annual national initiative proclaiming the importance of access to public information. First, the bright spot for Texas: Essential elements of contracts between governments and private companies – including pricing and promises – are public again under a law that took effect Jan. 1. It seems like those basics of how taxpayer dollars are spent should be easily accessible, doesn’t it? They were, for years, [...]

Sunshine Week Column: Sun starting to shine again on Texas governmentFOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:24-05:00

POSTPONED: FOI Foundation’s Open Government Seminar in San Antonio to be rescheduled

FOIFT2020-03-25T15:01:43-05:00

The FOI Foundation's Open Government Seminar in San Antonio, previously scheduled for April 8, has been postponed amid coronavirus concerns and stay-at-home orders. Please stay tuned for the reschedule date, tentatively planned for June. The Open Government Seminar is part of a series of regional educational sessions the non-profit Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas is hosting this year in cooperation with the Texas Attorney General’s Office. It is open to all who are interested, including community activists, journalists, attorneys, government employees and the general public. “Fully participating in our democracy means having access to information. This seminar will inform citizens [...]

POSTPONED: FOI Foundation’s Open Government Seminar in San Antonio to be rescheduledFOIFT2020-03-25T15:01:43-05:00

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