News release

New Texas laws protect public’s right to know

2015-06-03T16:06:54-05:00

AUSTIN – Texans will gain access to private university police records and more easily observe public meetings because of action this legislative session, while journalists can continue robust reporting on allegations of wrongdoing. The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas pressed for these and other transparency measures in the 84th Legislature, which concluded Monday. One highlight was passage of Senate Bill 627, allowing journalists to accurately report on wrongdoing accusations that are not yet part of a government inquiry. It codifies what has been common law in Texas for 25 years and clarifies a recent Texas Supreme Court ruling. This bill [...]

New Texas laws protect public’s right to know2015-06-03T16:06:54-05:00

Legislation by Rep. Todd Hunter would strengthen Texas Public Information Act

2015-02-24T15:51:27-06:00

AUSTIN – Citizens requesting government records would have improved access to public information stored in private electronic accounts under newly filed legislation by Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi. House Bill 1764 amends the Texas Public Information Act to specify that a government officer or employee in possession of public records must hand that information over to the governmental body upon request. The Texas Legislature approved a measure in 2013 clarifying that public business, even if it’s conducted on private electronic devices or in private email accounts, is public record. That placed into law what the Texas Attorney General’s Office had been [...]

Legislation by Rep. Todd Hunter would strengthen Texas Public Information Act2015-02-24T15:51:27-06:00

On the road again: Open Government Seminar headed to Denton

2014-11-05T20:19:41-06:00

AUSTIN _ The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas is hosting an Open Government Seminar in Denton for residents throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area featuring training in the state’s public meetings and public records laws. The non-profit FOI Foundation, partnering with Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s office, will offer the one-day seminar on Tuesday, Dec. 9, in Denton. It is designed for government employees, journalists and any citizens who want to learn more about the Texas Public Information Act and Texas Open Meetings Act. “Texas open government laws allow citizens to access information and participate in our democracy. These laws also [...]

On the road again: Open Government Seminar headed to Denton2014-11-05T20:19:41-06:00

Judge awards attorneys’ fees after TV station won anti-SLAPP lawsuit appeal

2014-10-16T21:19:52-05:00

A Harris County judge has awarded Houston ABC affiliate KTRK-TV more than $250,000 in attorneys’ fees after the station won an appeal in an anti-SLAPP case, or anti-strategic lawsuit against public participation. Austin-based Partner Laura Prather of Haynes and Boone, LLP, and Of Counsel Catherine Robb represented KTRK in the case. “This matter is a prime example of why the anti-SLAPP statute was created - to protect the freedom of speech,” said Prather. “We are thrilled to have persevered each time the plaintiff sued and the final ruling by the judge reiterates that meritless lawsuits filed out of retaliation for one [...]

Judge awards attorneys’ fees after TV station won anti-SLAPP lawsuit appeal2014-10-16T21:19:52-05:00

FOI Foundation partners in ‘The Texas Debates’

2014-09-24T19:08:20-05:00

DALLAS/FORT WORTH – KERA, the North Texas public television and radio stations, will host Attorney General Greg Abbott and state Sen. Wendy Davis in The Texas Debates: The Race for Governor. The live, one-hour debate is a co-production with NBC 5/KXAS-TV and Telemundo39/KXTX-TV,The Dallas Morning News and Texas Association of Broadcasters. Sponsored by AARP, the program will be broadcast on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014, at 8:00 p.m. CT on television, radio and online. The debate will be moderated by KERA managing editor Shelley Kofler. Questions will be posed by a panel of journalists: Brian Curtis, NBC 5/KXAS-TV; Peggy Fikac, San Antonio Express-News/Houston Chronicle; Norma García, [...]

FOI Foundation partners in ‘The Texas Debates’2014-09-24T19:08:20-05:00

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  • 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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