PIA

Keep Texas information laws working as intended; learn more at Sept. 13 FOIFT conference

FOIFT2024-09-08T15:18:26-05:00

Register today for the Sept. 13 FOIFT conference. FOI Column: Keep information laws working as intended to help all Texans By Kelley Shannon When it’s time to take a hard look at our public officials and decide which ones to re-elect – or reject – we need information. A major source of that information is the government itself. Access to public records and meetings is essential for us to know the facts and speak out about how government is run, during election season or any time. Among the tools at our disposal are the Texas Public Information Act, the Texas Open [...]

Keep Texas information laws working as intended; learn more at Sept. 13 FOIFT conferenceFOIFT2024-09-08T15:18:26-05:00

City of Uvalde releases big batch of shooting records; families say other agencies should follow suit

FOIFT2024-08-14T12:21:52-05:00

By The Texas Tribune and ProPublica Originally published Aug. 10, 2024 Police video, audio, texts and emails released Saturday by Uvalde city officials offer new details about the Robb Elementary school shooting while also largely reaffirming reporting about law enforcement’s failure to engage a gunman who killed 19 children and two teachers. ... The Saturday release is the first major disclosure of documents by a government agency involved in the flawed response to the deadliest school shooting in Texas history. It was part of a settlement agreement in a lawsuit between the city and the news organizations. Three other government agencies [...]

City of Uvalde releases big batch of shooting records; families say other agencies should follow suitFOIFT2024-08-14T12:21:52-05:00

Texas Tribune’s conversation on Texans’ access to government

FOIFT2024-07-02T10:49:05-05:00

The Texas Tribune hosted a live-streamed program June 26 "Public Access to Government - a Closer Look at Texas and Transparency," featuring FOI Foundation executive director Kelley Shannon; attorney Laura Prather of Haynes and Boone and the FOIFT board; Rachel Clow of KRIS-TV in Corpus Christi; and Ruth Soucy of the State Comptroller's Office. Check out a recording of the event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_aE1GiU8bQ&list=PLJ0QpNyUHKi67JNrgbNwLzWGKGqRYBFKM

Texas Tribune’s conversation on Texans’ access to governmentFOIFT2024-07-02T10:49:05-05:00

KTRK: How open records law helps shine a light on government

FOIFT2024-04-03T09:39:08-05:00

By Keven Ozebek and Sarah Rafique KTRK, ABC 13 Originally published March 11, 2024 HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Whether it's investigating controversial decisions by local governments or digging into how those agencies spend taxpayer money, 13 Investigates relies on open records laws to get copies of internal documents, datasets and even emails and text messages between government officials all so we can hold our leaders accountable. ... Under the Texas Public Information Act, anyone can request information from a government agency and by law should receive a response from them within 10 business days. The response can range anywhere from the [...]

KTRK: How open records law helps shine a light on governmentFOIFT2024-04-03T09:39:08-05:00

Sunshine Week Column: Taking a stand against public information blackouts

FOIFT2024-03-11T10:16:29-05:00

By Kelley Shannon Executive Director Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas Shining light on our government through public information helps us ask questions of elected officials – and hold them accountable. Sunshine Week, taking place March 10-16, recognizes the importance of open government and educates Americans about their right to public information. It’s not an abstract notion. It’s about what’s happening in the real world. You may be checking on the safety of roads and bridges in your community. Or wanting to know how your school board is spending taxpayer money. Perhaps there’s concern about pollution or water quality in your [...]

Sunshine Week Column: Taking a stand against public information blackoutsFOIFT2024-03-11T10:16:29-05:00

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