PIA

Clarification sought on release of police body camera videos in Texas

FOIFT2017-09-20T20:44:46-05:00

By Chuck Lindell Austin American-Statesman Originally published Sept. 19, 2017 Trying to make sense of an emerging area of law, a state senator has asked Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to determine whether certain footage from police body cameras could be withheld — not just from the public, but from civilian supervisors of a law enforcement agency as well. Specifically, Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr., D-Brownsville, wanted to know if state open record laws give a police chief or sheriff the discretion to withhold body camera footage if they determine that viewing the video could interfere with the “detection, investigation or prosecution [...]

Clarification sought on release of police body camera videos in TexasFOIFT2017-09-20T20:44:46-05:00

Sen. Watson, Rep. Capriglione receive FOI Lawmaker of the Year awards

FOIFT2017-09-15T14:50:54-05:00

The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas has honored Sen. Kirk Watson of Austin and Rep. Giovanni Capriglione of Southlake with its Open Government Lawmaker of the Year Award. The award is presented periodically to legislators who ardently defend First Amendment principles and work to expand open government. Watson and Capriglione received the honor Thursday at the FOI Foundation of Texas state conference in Austin. Capriglione said the First Amendment is what all office holders are sworn to uphold and that he was accepting the ward not just for the work he has done but for "what we're about to do" [...]

Sen. Watson, Rep. Capriglione receive FOI Lawmaker of the Year awardsFOIFT2017-09-15T14:50:54-05:00

Corpus Christi Caller-Times, Dallas Morning News receive Spirit of FOI Awards

FOIFT2017-09-14T19:40:42-05:00

For Immediate Release Sept. 14, 2017 AUSTIN _ Two Texas news organizations have won the Spirit of FOI Award for reports exposing problems with the state’s child welfare system and with one city’s police response to domestic violence. The Nancy Monson Spirit of FOI Award, presented by the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, highlights journalism that upholds First Amendment principles and promotes or uses open government laws such as the Texas Public Information Act. The awards were presented Thursday at the FOI Foundation’s state conference in Austin. One of the awards went to the Corpus Christi Caller-Times in the Class [...]

Corpus Christi Caller-Times, Dallas Morning News receive Spirit of FOI AwardsFOIFT2017-09-14T19:40:42-05:00

Crosby plant explosion highlights state efforts to block access to chemical information

FOIFT2017-09-01T22:07:41-05:00

By Emma Platoff and Jim Malewitz The Texas Tribune Originally published Sept. 1, 2017 Residents of Crosby, Texas woke Thursday morning to a 40-foot plume of black smoke darkening their sky. Don’t worry, said both government officials and personnel from Arkema, the owner of the plant emitting the fumes — there’s nothing toxic in your air. Locals had little choice but to take them at their word. That's because in recent years, state leaders have made it increasingly difficult for communities to learn what, exactly, sits inside the chemical plants in their neighborhoods — and just how dangerous it might be. The implications [...]

Crosby plant explosion highlights state efforts to block access to chemical informationFOIFT2017-09-01T22:07:41-05:00

Transparency in government leads to real news

FOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:34-05:00

By Kelley Shannon Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas Whether depending on our government for storm recovery, good schools, police protection or other important services, openness and access to information are essential to ensuring the job gets done. A free flow of information helps citizens keep watch on their government. It also allows journalists to report on matters of widespread interest by scrutinizing public records and meetings and, just as importantly, asking necessary, tough questions of government officials. In short, transparency leads to real news. It leads to the truth. Legitimate news organizations uncover what has actually happened – and even [...]

Transparency in government leads to real newsFOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:34-05:00

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