The Texas Talks podcast hosted by Brad Swail and the Lone Star Standard recently featured Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas executive director Kelley Shannon to discuss the foundation's open government outreach and advocacy. You can listen to the 30-minute podcast on Spotify, Apple, X/Twitter or YouTube.
The FOI Foundation of Texas state conference Sept. 26 featured a lineup of impactful speakers and discussions addressing a range of open government and free speech topics. Thanks to all the conference participants, planners and attendees. Video recordings of each panel session and the luncheon speeches are now available on our website at https://foift.org/about/video/
Gov. Greg Abbott has signed into law House Bill 4219, requiring governments to issue a written response to requestors who seek records under the Texas Public Information Act. The measure, a proposal of the Texas Sunshine Coalition, was put forth by Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, and Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo. It requires a written government reply even if it is to say there are no responsive documents or a previous attorney general ruling allows withholding those records. Governments who don't comply could face consequences including being required to undergo more open government training. As the deadline approached Sunday, June 22, to [...]
For Immediate Release June 2, 2025 Texas Legislature passes Public Information Act response bill, sends it to governor AUSTIN – The Texas Legislature has approved a measure requiring government agencies to respond to public information requestors or face consequences – an important step in making government more accountable. House Bill 4219, put forth by Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, and Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, has been sent to the governor. It requires governments to issue a written response to requestors who seek records under the Texas Public Information Act, even if there are no responsive documents or a previous attorney general ruling [...]
By Kelley Shannon FOI Foundation Executive Director The Texas Senate on Tuesday unanimously passed House Bill 4219 by Sen. Judith Zaffirini and Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, which requires governments to respond to public information requestors or face consequences. HB 4219 - already approved by the House - has now been sent to Gov. Greg Abbott. Unfortunately, some government officials currently do not respond to every Texas Public Information Act request. Some ignore information requests. Some don't respond if there are no responsive records or if they have a previous attorney general ruling allowing the specific records to be withheld. HB 4219 would [...]
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