PIA

FOI experts share tips for smoother access to public information

2022-03-31T17:08:44-05:00

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 information2022-03-31T17:08:44-05:00

Port Arthur refuses to release names of manager applicants

2014-10-23T02:51:46-05:00

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 applicants2014-10-23T02:51:46-05:00

Police records: Are Amarilloans in the dark on crime?

2014-10-13T15:15:07-05:00

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?2014-10-13T15:15:07-05:00

Greg Abbott facing questions on open government

2014-10-07T14:26:15-05:00

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 government2014-10-07T14:26:15-05:00

Texas Supreme Court refuses to hear Greater Houston Partnership case on Texans’ right to records

2014-10-06T15:37:46-05:00

By Mark Collette Houston Chronicle Originally published Oct. 3, 2014 The Texas Supreme Court on Friday refused to hear a lawsuit by Greater Houston Partnership that could have limited the public's right to know about government money sent to private groups. The case applies to all businesses and nonprofits in Texas that receive public funds. It allows the state attorney general to decide on a case-by-case basis which organizations must open their books under open records law, and under what circumstances. GHP's case attacked one of the earliest and most expansive constructions of Texas open records law, known as the Kneeland [...]

Texas Supreme Court refuses to hear Greater Houston Partnership case on Texans’ right to records2014-10-06T15:37:46-05:00

CONTACT INFO

  • Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas
    Kelley Shannon, Executive Director
    3001 N. Lamar Blvd., Suite 302
    Austin, Texas 78705

  • (512) 377-1575

  • [email protected]

TEXAS FOI NEWS

QUICK LINKS

MENU

RESOURCES

© Copyright 2026 | The Freedom of Information Foundation | All Rights Reserved | by HelixSEO

Toggle Sliding Bar Area
Go to Top