Texas Legislature

FOI Foundation of Texas joins more than 50 organizations in NFOIC-Brechner Center statement on police records transparency

2020-06-12T20:51:59-05:00

The National Freedom of Information Coalition and the Brechner Center for Freedom of Information issued a statement on law enforcement transparency and accountability in response to the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer, and the following unrest and violence that erupted around the nation.  More than 50 organizations have signed on in support of the statement, which calls for states to enact reforms opening every aspect of the police misconduct oversight process to public scrutiny. The officer charged in the death of Mr. Floyd had 18 previous complaints filed against him. Read the full story here.

FOI Foundation of Texas joins more than 50 organizations in NFOIC-Brechner Center statement on police records transparency2020-06-12T20:51:59-05:00

Transparency amid pandemic: Is government using COVID-19 to withhold public information?

2020-06-05T17:31:19-05:00

By John C. MoritzAustin Bureau, USA Today NetworkOriginally published June 4, 2020 AUSTIN — Two influential state lawmakers say some state and local governments are using the coronavirus pandemic to undermine Texas' open meetings and open records laws and they are already gearing up to close loopholes when the Legislative session convenes in January. "You're either for open government, or you're not," state Rep. Todd Hunter said during an online seminar on government transparency organized Thursday by the Texas Freedom of Information Foundation and the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce. "If you're in the business of creating speed bumps (to stop or delay the release of [...]

Transparency amid pandemic: Is government using COVID-19 to withhold public information?2020-06-05T17:31:19-05:00

Rivard Report: Pandemic is no time to deny the public’s right to know

2020-05-18T14:03:29-05:00

By Robert RivardRivard ReportOriginally published May 17, 2020 One uncomfortable reality for some who collect their paychecks from taxpayer- and ratepayer-supported entities is that the public has a timely right to know what they are doing and how they are doing it. In Texas, however, the public’s right to know is always qualified, despite the existence of the Texas Public Information Act. A continuing legal fight over access to meetings and public records has been waged since the 1970s, when public corruption scandals finally forced legislators in Austin to act. Yet the standoff continues today. ... Now the coronavirus outbreak and ensuing [...]

Rivard Report: Pandemic is no time to deny the public’s right to know2020-05-18T14:03:29-05:00

Journalists put new Texas public records law to the test

2020-05-04T21:42:46-05:00

By Sofia Tyreman A new Texas law aims to provide more transparency through public access to government contracts under the Texas Public Information Act.  Specifically, it’s intended to show how taxpayer money is being spent. News reporters are already using the law and learning about its scope. Senate Bill 943, which passed the Legislature last year and took effect Jan. 1, 2020, attempts to address some of the issues generated by the 2015 Supreme Court case Boeing Co. v. Paxton, which weakened Texas’ open records statute.  The law is “a good tool to have on our side in terms of making public entities [...]

Journalists put new Texas public records law to the test2020-05-04T21:42:46-05:00

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