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Speaker Straus’ interim charges address transparency, access to information

FOIFT2015-11-04T21:53:40-06:00

AUSTIN - Texas House Speaker Joe Straus issued interim charges Wednesday for issues lawmakers will study before the 2017 legislative session, and several address government transparency and public information. Legislators will examine the transparency of state purchasing; public information held outside of control of a governmental body; repetitious requests made under the Texas Public Information Act; and dissemination of criminal records containing inaccurate or incomplete information. Among other items related to public information are a study of police body camera best policies and practices and a look at whether provisions in a body camera law passed this year need to be [...]

Speaker Straus’ interim charges address transparency, access to informationFOIFT2015-11-04T21:53:40-06:00

City commission: State law on body cameras raises privacy questions

FOIFT2015-11-04T14:26:57-06:00

By Nicole Chavez Austin American-Statesman Originally published Nov. 3, 2015 As the Austin Police Department continues to prepare the launch of its body-worn camera program, the city’s Public Safety Commission is worried state law may not provide enough guidance on how to protect victims’ privacy. The law, which was discussed during the commission’s meeting Monday, includes several rules addressing the release of any recordings to the public: It says that footage recorded in a private space, such a home or a business, should only be made public with the consent of those who showed in the video. It also requires anyone [...]

City commission: State law on body cameras raises privacy questionsFOIFT2015-11-04T14:26:57-06:00

Activist, city of Austin settle open records lawsuit

FOIFT2015-11-03T17:51:02-06:00

By Andra Lim Austin American-Statesman Originally published Nov. 2, 2015 Civic activist Brian Rodgers will receive $5,000 from the city as part of an agreement to settle the lawsuit he filed in June accusing Austin of violating state open records law. The lawsuit said the city failed to respond fully, or even at all, to records requests Rodgers filed on three controversial topics: the Downtown Austin Alliance’s support for last November’s light rail ballot measure; the Decker Lake Golf proposal to build luxury golf courses on parkland by Lake Walter E. Long; and the city’s attempt to purchase the state-owned and [...]

Activist, city of Austin settle open records lawsuitFOIFT2015-11-03T17:51:02-06:00

UT System board rebukes regent Wallace Hall over recent public comments

FOIFT2015-11-02T16:39:34-06:00

By Matthew Watkins The Texas Tribune Originally published Oct. 30, 2015 Frustrated with his recent public comments, the University of Texas System Board of Regents has again rebuked outspoken member Wallace Hall. In a special meeting Friday, the board voted to "express disagreement and disapproval" of recent statements by Hall, saying Hall doesn't speak for the board and that the continued public fighting needs to stop. "I cannot remain silent when Mr. Hall engages in constant criticisms and accusations," said board Chairman Paul Foster. Hall has clashed with leadership at the UT System and UT-Austin for years. Critics accused him of [...]

UT System board rebukes regent Wallace Hall over recent public commentsFOIFT2015-11-02T16:39:34-06:00

AG says DA’s office violated Public Information Act on Twin Peaks request

FOIFT2015-10-26T15:20:52-05:00

By Tommy Witherspoon Waco Tribune-Herald Originally published Oct. 24, 2015 The Texas Attorney General’s Office notified McLennan County District Attorney Abel Reyna this month that his office violated the Texas Public Information Act when it failed to provide text messages related to the DA’s response to the May 17 Twin Peaks shootout. A former sheriff’s deputy says Reyna’s office has violated the act at least three times on requests he has filed. In a letter dated Oct. 13, Assistant Attorney General Lance Kutnick informs Reyna that his office violated the act and that he has four days to “cure” the violation. [...]

AG says DA’s office violated Public Information Act on Twin Peaks requestFOIFT2015-10-26T15:20:52-05:00

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