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Federal anti-SLAPP law focus of U.S. House hearing

FOIFT2016-06-27T15:11:49-05:00

By Luis Ferre Sadurni Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press Originally published June 23, 2016 On Wednesday, the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice of the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on an anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) bill, which would combat lawsuits filed to intimidate exercise of free speech. Rep. Blake Farenthold (R-Texas) introduced H.R. 2304, the SPEAK FREE Act, last summer and the bill was referred to the subcommittee on June 1, 2015. Similar to anti-SLAPP laws passed at the state level, the proposed legislation would amend the federal judicial code to allow defendants speaking [...]

Federal anti-SLAPP law focus of U.S. House hearingFOIFT2016-06-27T15:11:49-05:00

Smith County judge charged, booked in suspected Open Meetings Act violation

FOIFT2016-06-20T15:03:37-05:00

By Faith Harper and Roy Maynard Tyler Morning Telegraph Originally published June 18, 2016 County Judge Joel Baker was booked into the Smith County jail on Friday on a misdemeanor charge of violating the Texas Open Meetings Act. Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith said Baker turned himself in after 5 p.m. and was released as of 6 p.m. Friday. Baker is charged with three counts of violating the Texas Open Meetings Act, a misdemeanor. A warrant was issued Thursday from the Smith County Grand Jury, out of the 114th District Court, Smith said. Baker’s bond was set at the maximum of [...]

Smith County judge charged, booked in suspected Open Meetings Act violationFOIFT2016-06-20T15:03:37-05:00

Cornyn-Leahy updated FOIA bill expected to become law

FOIFT2016-06-14T16:30:21-05:00

By Todd J. Gillman The Dallas Morning News Originally published June 14, 2016 WASHINGTON – The Freedom of Information Act turns 50 years old next month, and just in time to celebrate, Congress has sent the president an update co-authored by Texas Sen. John Cornyn. “A healthy democracy requires an open and transparent government, and this bill will help ensure all Americans have better access to their government,” said Cornyn, the deputy Republican leader, who teamed up with Vermont Democrat Patrick Leahy on the effort. The White House said in March that President Barack Obama would sign the bill into law [...]

Cornyn-Leahy updated FOIA bill expected to become lawFOIFT2016-06-14T16:30:21-05:00

Did San Antonio council members reign in Spain?

FOIFT2016-06-06T15:23:04-05:00

By Kenric Ward Watchdog.org Originally published June 6, 2016 An overseas trade mission by members of the San Antonio City Council is taking flack from critics who say it skirted Texas’ open-meeting law. Six voting members of the council - constituting a quorum - traveled to Spain last month. The trip was announced in advance, with a declaration that "no official city action will be taken during this mission." With no reporters or members of the public present to verify the council’s pledge, skeptics aren’t assuaged. The Texas Open Meetings Act “requires a meeting of a governmental body to be held [...]

Did San Antonio council members reign in Spain?FOIFT2016-06-06T15:23:04-05:00

Houston Mayor Turner uses search firm to keep police chief candidates from public view

FOIFT2016-06-01T13:28:59-05:00

By James Pinkerton Houston Chronicle Originally published May 31, 2016 Mayor Sylvester Turner has chosen to select Houston's next police chief through a private executive search firm, taking the position that the applications and résumés of job candidates do not have to be made available through the Texas Public Information Act. The process stands in stark contrast to that used by his predecessor, Annise Parker, who in 2010 released the applications of 26 candidates for police chief in response to a records request. "I am not going to conduct this process in the media," Turner said via email Friday. "I didn't [...]

Houston Mayor Turner uses search firm to keep police chief candidates from public viewFOIFT2016-06-01T13:28:59-05:00

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