PIA

Dallas Morning News sues DA Craig Watkins over release of documents

FOIFT2014-10-24T15:54:11-05:00

By Sarah Mervosh The Dallas Morning News Originally published Oct. 23, 2014 The Dallas Morning News sued Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins on Thursday in an attempt to obtain documents about how Watkins has spent public money. The newspaper asked a state district judge to order Watkins to turn over public documents after the district attorney refused to release them in the time frame outlined by state law, according to the lawsuit. Watkins’ spokeswoman, Debbie Denmon, said the district attorney’s office has received an “unusually high number” of public information requests recently and is bound by its limited resources. She [...]

Dallas Morning News sues DA Craig Watkins over release of documentsFOIFT2014-10-24T15:54:11-05:00

FOI experts share tips for smoother access to public information

FOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:44-05:00

By Kelley Shannon FOI Foundation of Texas Executive Director ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The National Freedom of Information Coalition Summit this week featured a discussion with journalists, attorneys and open government advocates on how to write better public information requests and how to overcome barriers to access. Participating panelists were Florida journalist Kris Hundley; Thomas Susman, director of governmental affairs for the American Bar Association; Shane Shifflett, developer of FOIA Machine; and Barbara Petersen, president of the First Amendment Foundation of Florida. Here's a quick look at some of their tips: -When seeking a government document in electronic format, specify that [...]

FOI experts share tips for smoother access to public informationFOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:44-05:00

Port Arthur refuses to release names of manager applicants

FOIFT2014-10-23T02:51:46-05:00

By Sherry Koonce Port Arthur News Originally published Oct. 22, 2014 In a move that Freedom of Information attorneys are calling “an obvious delay tactic,” or, worse yet, “a possible criminal act,” Port Arthur city officials are refusing to supply the names of candidates applying for the city manager job. On Oct. 8, The News submitted an open records request under the Texas Public Information Act for the names and resumes of all applicants applying for the Port Arthur city manager job, as well as photos of the seven semi-finalists. The Texas Public Information Act allows 10 (business) days for a [...]

Port Arthur refuses to release names of manager applicantsFOIFT2014-10-23T02:51:46-05:00

Police records: Are Amarilloans in the dark on crime?

FOIFT2014-10-13T15:15:07-05:00

By Russell Anglin and Matt Hutchison Amarillo Globe-News Originally published Oct. 11, 2014 On most days at the Amarillo Police Department, someone sifts through a maze of reports determining what the public should know about crime in the city. After the department determines what’s “newsworthy,” a summary is written about those incidents — usually 10 to 20 a week — and made available to the public. So who’s making the decisions on what the public should and shouldn’t know about police activities and crime? When it comes to police information, it’s Amarillo police officers themselves who determine what will be reported [...]

Police records: Are Amarilloans in the dark on crime?FOIFT2014-10-13T15:15:07-05:00

Greg Abbott facing questions on open government

FOIFT2014-10-07T14:26:15-05:00

By Chuck Lindell Austin American-Statesman Originally published Oct. 4, 2014 Greg Abbott was the toast of open government advocates early in his 12-year tenure as attorney general, but recent decisions in favor of tighter secrecy have prompted some to re-evaluate his commitment to transparency. Since May, Abbott’s agency has reversed policy by allowing Texas to keep secret the source of its execution drugs and withhold inventory reports listing businesses that stockpile dangerous chemicals, including ammonium nitrate, the compound that exploded in the town of West, killing 15 in 2013. Abbott’s Democratic opponent in the race for governor, Wendy Davis, recently questioned [...]

Greg Abbott facing questions on open governmentFOIFT2014-10-07T14:26:15-05:00

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