PIA

Legislation by Rep. Todd Hunter would strengthen Texas Public Information Act

FOIFT2015-02-24T15:51:27-06:00

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 ActFOIFT2015-02-24T15:51:27-06:00

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

FOIFT2015-02-19T15:25:34-06:00

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 investigationFOIFT2015-02-19T15:25:34-06:00

Bill targets out-of-state public information requests

FOIFT2015-02-16T16:11:05-06:00

What happens in Texas stays in Texas. At least it should, according to a controversial bill filed by a state lawmaker. State Rep. Mike Schofield, R-Katy, has filed a proposal that requires government workers to release information sought under the Texas Public Information Act to Texans only. If a request comes in from out of state, the bill lets government workers decide whether they want to comply. “I’m a big fan of open government,” said Schofield, who served for years as former Gov. Rick Perry’s policy adviser, working on issues ranging from public information requests to voter ID. “The purpose of [...]

Bill targets out-of-state public information requestsFOIFT2015-02-16T16:11:05-06:00

Positive open government bills emerging at Capitol, too

FOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:42-05:00

By Kelley Shannon Executive Director Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas Every legislative session there are attempts to shut off government information to the public, and this year is no exception. But there are also a number of positive open government bills emerging at the Texas Capitol. Throughout the session, we'll highlight some good open government bills in periodic blog posts. Here are a few of those bills filed so far: Senate Bill 308 by Sen. John Whitmire. This measure would ensure that the records of private universities' police departments are subject to the Texas Public Information Act. Senate Bill 434 [...]

Positive open government bills emerging at Capitol, tooFOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:42-05:00

Out of state, out of luck? Restraint on outside access among open records bills

FOIFT2015-02-12T16:40:59-06:00

By Allison Wisk The Dallas Morning News Originally published Feb. 11, 2015 Interest in prioritizing open government may wax and wane in the state Legislature. But as the first month of the legislative session draws to a close, a host of bills offered by lawmakers could impact the reach of the state’s sunshine law, the Texas Public Information Act. Most of those bills seek to carve out exceptions to disclosure of public information in other laws. But some legislators have proposed revisions to the language of the Public Information Act to change who is entitled to receive information, and what they are able [...]

Out of state, out of luck? Restraint on outside access among open records billsFOIFT2015-02-12T16:40:59-06:00

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