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Texas news organizations cover legislative efforts to strengthen Public Information Act

2017-01-05T15:41:22-06:00

On Tuesday, Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, and Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, filed legislation to strengthen the Texas Public Information Act and repair damage done by to the law two 2015 Texas Supreme Court rulings. News organizations around the state have written news stories and editorials on the legislative efforts. Here are some of the reports: The Dallas Morning News Fort Worth Star-Telegram Austin American-Statesman McAllen Monitor Spectrum News, Austin KXAN-TV, Austin:

Texas news organizations cover legislative efforts to strengthen Public Information Act2017-01-05T15:41:22-06:00

Watson, Capriglione bills close loopholes in open records law

2017-01-03T23:07:08-06:00

Tuesday, January 3, 2017 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACTS: Kate Alexander, Office of Sen. Kirk Watson: (512) 463-0114 Courtney Roberts, Office of Rep. Giovanni Capriglione: (512) 463-0690 Watson, Capriglione bills close loopholes in open records law Texas Rep. Giovanni Capriglione and Sen. Kirk Watson filed two pieces of identical legislation on Tuesday to close loopholes in the Public Information Act that were created by recent Texas Supreme Court rulings. "Taxpayers have a right to know how their money is being spent," Rep. Capriglione said. "The original intent of the Public Information Act was to be as permissive as possible in favor of [...]

Watson, Capriglione bills close loopholes in open records law2017-01-03T23:07:08-06:00

Open Government Champions: Hunter’s commitment to First Amendment, open government runs deep

2016-12-29T15:49:07-06:00

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is one in an occasional series of opinion pieces on legislators and other Texans who are openly committed to sustaining government transparency and accountability. The articles are being prepared and distributed by the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas and the Texas Press Association. By Dave Montgomery After 15 years in the Texas Legislature, Rep. Todd Hunter of Corpus Christi has distinguished himself as a relentless defender of press freedoms and government transparency, reflecting a passion rooted deep in his heritage. The son of a journalist, Hunter grew up in a family he says was “very strong on [...]

Open Government Champions: Hunter’s commitment to First Amendment, open government runs deep2016-12-29T15:49:07-06:00

Former Smith County judge to pay fine in Open Meetings Act violation

2016-12-13T17:54:17-06:00

By Cody Lillich KLTV Originally published Dec. 12, 2016 Former East Texas County judge Joel Baker entered a no contest plea deal Monday on one of the three charges brought against him. Two of the other counts were dismissed per the deal. Baker must pay a $200 fine as a part of the agreement. The trial for the former Smith County judge ended before it even began Monday in a Smith County courtroom. The three charges stem from a now-suspended contract with American Traffic Solutions to deploy speed monitoring cameras in county school zones. According to the indictment, the grand jury [...]

Former Smith County judge to pay fine in Open Meetings Act violation2016-12-13T17:54:17-06:00

Support FOI Foundation’s free speech, open government mission in this week’s fundraiser

2016-12-13T05:20:48-06:00

We're making an online push this week to increase support for the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas and its mission of promoting the First Amendment and open government. The public's right to know is crucial to our democracy. We cannot make decisions about how we are governed and who should lead us if we don't have information about our government. The FOI Foundation of Texas is a non-profit 501(c)(3) that has been working to protect the First Amendment and the free flow of information since 1978. Please consider a tax-deductible contribution today to the FOI Foundation. You'll be helping to [...]

Support FOI Foundation’s free speech, open government mission in this week’s fundraiser2016-12-13T05:20:48-06:00

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

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  • [email protected]

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