PIA

Sunshine Week: Legislative spotlight on private email accounts, police records, news reporting

2015-03-16T13:49:20-05:00

By Kelley Shannon Executive Director Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas Private university police beat a man suspected of stealing a bicycle. The violent episode was captured on a dash camera, but when questions arose the police refused to release the complete video. City officials used their personal email accounts to discuss government business, just as Hillary Clinton did as secretary of state. When a citizen sought the local records, which are public under Texas law, city employees claimed their power was limited because they didn’t have custody of the documents. As matters of widespread public concern come to light – [...]

Sunshine Week: Legislative spotlight on private email accounts, police records, news reporting2015-03-16T13:49:20-05:00

Legislation would let officials refer information requesters to government websites

2015-03-11T20:15:43-05:00

Public officials could respond to information requesters by referring them to specific information on a government website in many cases under legislation presented in committee Wednesday by Rep. Kenneth Sheets, R-Dallas. In laying out House Bill 685, Sheets explained than an anticipated committee substitute for the bill will clarify that the referral to a website would have to include a URL link directly to the requested information. It would also provide for other types of responses to those who don't have Internet access or who need the records in other formats. Sheets contends the update to the Texas Public Information Act [...]

Legislation would let officials refer information requesters to government websites2015-03-11T20:15:43-05:00

Victoria Advocate: Bill would close loophole in obtaining information from private accounts

2015-03-04T15:41:09-06:00

By the Editorial Board Victoria Advocate Originally published March 4, 2015 Government is the servant, not the master of the people. This very principle, the first words of the Texas Public Information Act, is the fundamental philosophy of our constitutional form of representative government. All too often, elected officials skirt the law by conducting the public's business away from watchful eyes. With ever-evolving technology, a smart phone in every pocket, and some governmental bodies issuing portable tablets and other Internet-ready devices, it's easier than ever for officials to hide what should belong to the public. The Victoria Advocate experienced it first-hand [...]

Victoria Advocate: Bill would close loophole in obtaining information from private accounts2015-03-04T15:41:09-06:00

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

Victoria County sheriff declines to release ex-deputy’s records in excessive force investigation

2015-02-19T15:25:34-06:00

By Jessica Priest Victoria Advocate Originally published Feb. 17, 2015 The Victoria County Sheriff is refusing to release records about a former deputy under investigation for excessive use of force. Sheriff T. Michael O'Connor said Tuesday that he must consult an attorney before complying with the Victoria Advocate's open records request for the employment application and personnel file of former Sgt. Daniel Bettes. O'Connor also would not release the dashboard camera video of Bettes stopping a motorist Oct. 10 because it is being used in a Texas Ranger investigation. He said the video motivated the sheriff's office to take action against [...]

Victoria County sheriff declines to release ex-deputy’s records in excessive force investigation2015-02-19T15:25:34-06:00

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