Texas Legislature

Texas Supreme Court ruling expands government exception for attorney-client privilege

2017-02-07T16:29:06-06:00

By Chuck Lindell Austin American Statesman Originally published Feb. 3, 2017 In another decision that has alarmed open government advocates, the Texas Supreme Court on Friday carved out a special exception for public access to government information involving communication with lawyers. The 7-2 ruling said protecting attorney-client privilege is too important to force governments to disclose such information, even if the Texas Public Information Act’s requirements aren’t followed. Attorney-client privilege ensures the free flow of information and protects access to legal advice that is vital to better formulate government policy, said the opinion by Justice Eva Guzman. “Full and frank legal [...]

Texas Supreme Court ruling expands government exception for attorney-client privilege2017-02-07T16:29:06-06:00

Texas clerks look to derail web-based public access to court records

2017-01-31T14:55:50-06:00

By Ryan Autullo Austin American-Statesman Originally published Jan. 30, 2017 Texas court clerks are resisting a state proposal they say would strip them of their constitutional authority by making court documents available online for easy public access. The statewide database, re:SearchTX, holds records from all 254 counties and is backed by the state’s Supreme Court. It currently is used by judges and soon will be available to attorneys and the public — who could search for civil court records and review them, all from the comfort of home. Clerks say surrendering these records to a privately operated database would violate their role [...]

Texas clerks look to derail web-based public access to court records2017-01-31T14:55:50-06:00

Watson, Capriglione: Close loopholes in the state Public Information Act

2017-01-27T15:53:31-06:00

By Kirk Watson and Giovanni Capriglione Published by the Houston Chronicle Jan. 26, 2017 After the Sharpstown fraud and bribery scandal rocked the Texas Capitol in the early 1970s, Texans opted to "throw the rascals out" and elect a reform-minded Legislature to clean up the mess. A cornerstone of the 63rd Legislature's reform agenda was the Public Information Act of 1973, which empowered the people to see what their government officials were doing and hold them accountable. Lawmakers clearly stated that the public's right to know, in most cases, should prevail over other interests because information is key to accountability. But [...]

Watson, Capriglione: Close loopholes in the state Public Information Act2017-01-27T15:53:31-06:00

Texas news organizations cover legislative efforts to strengthen Public Information Act

2017-01-05T15:41:22-06:00

On Tuesday, Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, and Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, filed legislation to strengthen the Texas Public Information Act and repair damage done by to the law two 2015 Texas Supreme Court rulings. News organizations around the state have written news stories and editorials on the legislative efforts. Here are some of the reports: The Dallas Morning News Fort Worth Star-Telegram Austin American-Statesman McAllen Monitor Spectrum News, Austin KXAN-TV, Austin:

Texas news organizations cover legislative efforts to strengthen Public Information Act2017-01-05T15:41:22-06:00

Open Government Champions: Hunter’s commitment to First Amendment, open government runs deep

2016-12-29T15:49:07-06:00

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is one in an occasional series of opinion pieces on legislators and other Texans who are openly committed to sustaining government transparency and accountability. The articles are being prepared and distributed by the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas and the Texas Press Association. By Dave Montgomery After 15 years in the Texas Legislature, Rep. Todd Hunter of Corpus Christi has distinguished himself as a relentless defender of press freedoms and government transparency, reflecting a passion rooted deep in his heritage. The son of a journalist, Hunter grew up in a family he says was “very strong on [...]

Open Government Champions: Hunter’s commitment to First Amendment, open government runs deep2016-12-29T15:49:07-06:00

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