FOIFT, Author at Freedom of Information Foundation Texas

State Bar announces winners of 2015 Texas Gavel Awards

FOIFT2015-07-02T20:00:30-05:00

AUSTIN — The State Bar of Texas has announced the winners of the 2015 Texas Gavel Awards, including in-depth stories exploring a flawed capital murder conviction, alleged racial profiling and a debate over DWI sentencing penalties. Journalists representing the Houston Chronicle, Victoria Advocate, KXAN-TV, Marfa Public Radio and The Intercept have been selected as winners. The Gavel Awards honor journalism that deepens public understanding of the legal system. The State Bar of Texas will honor the winners at an awards luncheon Sept. 17 in Austin in conjunction with the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas annual conference. For more information on the [...]

State Bar announces winners of 2015 Texas Gavel AwardsFOIFT2015-07-02T20:00:30-05:00

Judge prevents public release of Twin Peaks video, issues gag order

FOIFT2015-07-01T21:31:52-05:00

By Tommy Witherspoon Waco Tribune-Herald Originally published June 30, 2015 A state district judge ruled Tuesday that a Dallas attorney can have a copy of a Twin Peaks franchisee’s video of the May 17 biker shootout, but the judge barred the release of the video to the public. Judge Matt Johnson of Waco’s 54th State District Court also granted a prosecution request to place a gag order in the Matthew Alan Clendennen case, preventing attorneys on both sides, law enforcement officers and witnesses from discussing that case only in the media. In arguing his case for release of the video, Dallas [...]

Judge prevents public release of Twin Peaks video, issues gag orderFOIFT2015-07-01T21:31:52-05:00

City of McKinney charging $79K for emails about pool party cop

FOIFT2015-07-01T15:25:08-05:00

By Andy Cush Gawker Originally published June 29, 2015 Days after McKinney, Texas, police officer Eric Casebolt was filmed pointing his service weapon at a group of unarmed black teenagers at a pool party this month, Gawker submitted a Public Information Act request to the city of McKinney asking to see Casebolt’s records and any emails about his conduct sent or received by McKinney Police Department employees. Today, we received a letter from the city’s attorneys claiming that fulfilling our request would cost $79,229.09. Click here to read the full Gawker story.

City of McKinney charging $79K for emails about pool party copFOIFT2015-07-01T15:25:08-05:00

Attorney general to investigate Smith County Commissioners Court on open meetings

FOIFT2015-06-29T14:46:13-05:00

By Faith Harper Tyler Morning Telegraph Originally published June 26, 2015 The Texas Attorney General’s Office will investigate whether the Smith County Commissioners Court violated the Texas Open Meetings Act while working to place unmanned speed cameras in school zones. The investigation stems from a complaint filed in the Smith County District Attorney’s Office by JoAnn Fleming, executive director of Grassroots America — We the People. The six-page complaint, dated May 12, cites nine concerns about the contract with American Traffic Solutions for the cameras and how informed the public was on the contract negotiations. Texas Open Meetings Act violations are [...]

Attorney general to investigate Smith County Commissioners Court on open meetingsFOIFT2015-06-29T14:46:13-05:00

Texas Supreme Court limits reach of open government law with GHP ruling

FOIFT2015-06-26T21:31:44-05:00

By Mark Collette Houston Chronicle Originally published June 26, 2015 In a 6-3 opinion with profound reach on the state's open government laws, the Texas Supreme Court on Friday decided that Greater Houston Partnership doesn't have to open its check registers, even though it receives funds from the city of Houston. The case stemmed from a 2007 request by Jim Jenkins of Montgomery County, who wanted to see how GHP spends the city's money. GHP, the region's major economic development group, argued that it wasn't a governmental body for the purposes of the Texas Public Information Act, and eventually sued to [...]

Texas Supreme Court limits reach of open government law with GHP rulingFOIFT2015-06-26T21:31:44-05:00

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