Texas Legislature

Sunshine Week: Public’s right to know should be front and center, especially now, in Texas

FOIFT2022-04-07T16:02:23-05:00

By Kelley Shannon With state lawmakers immersed in the COVID-19 pandemic response and Texas’ electricity failures, the public’s access to information must be at the forefront of the Legislature’s actions. Information allows citizens to watch over their government, to speak out and to ask questions. There’s no better time than Sunshine Week, starting March 14, to emphasize the importance of the people’s right to know. The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas and other open government proponents are taking part in a Sunshine Week online discussion March 18 hosted by the Texas Public Policy Foundation as the Texas legislative session approaches its midway [...]

Sunshine Week: Public’s right to know should be front and center, especially now, in TexasFOIFT2022-04-07T16:02:23-05:00

Sen. Zaffirini files package of open government bills

FOIFT2022-04-07T16:02:24-05:00

Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, has filed seven bills to improve the Texas Public Information Act and Texas Open Meetings Act. Senate Bills 924 to 930 filed Tuesday address such issues as deadlines for governmental entities to respond to public records requests and citizen access protections for video or telephone virtual public meetings. All of the measures were also combined in an omnibus bill, SB 923. “Transparency is essential to preserving democratic governance,” Zaffirini said in a news release. “Texans need to know what happens in the halls of power to hold their leaders accountable. I'm delighted to champion not only these [...]

Sen. Zaffirini files package of open government billsFOIFT2022-04-07T16:02:24-05:00

Speaker Pro Tem Joe Moody, expert panel address Texas law enforcement transparency in webinar

FOIFT2022-04-07T16:02:25-05:00

Texas House Speaker Pro Tem Joe Moody, Josh Hinkle of KXAN-TV, Eva Ruth Moravec of the Texas Justice Initiative and Kathy Mitchell of Just Liberty discussed the latest in police transparency laws during a one-hour webinar on Feb. 24. Hinkle, leader of KXAN's investigative team, moderated the panel discussion, which was free and open to the public. The FOI Foundation of Texas and ACLU of Texas co-hosted the event. Watch a recording of the event at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwgzGAixbz0&feature=youtu.be and see KXAN's coverage of news made during the webinar by clicking this link.

Speaker Pro Tem Joe Moody, expert panel address Texas law enforcement transparency in webinarFOIFT2022-04-07T16:02:25-05:00

In pandemic era, Texans’ access to public information at risk

FOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:19-05:00

By Kelley Shannon Bold steps nearly 50 years ago created a landmark protection for the people’s right to know in Texas. Lawmakers approved the state’s open records law, now known as the Texas Public Information Act. Born out of a political financial scandal, the act’s aim was to allow citizens to hold public officials accountable. For the most part, this Texas transparency law has served us well. It’s essential in many Texans’ routine interactions with their government as they request police reports and school budget documents and so much more. It has been used to expose government action – or inaction [...]

In pandemic era, Texans’ access to public information at riskFOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:19-05:00

Legislation clarifies “business days” when responding to Texas Public Information Act requests

FOIFT2021-02-01T21:05:06-06:00

Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, has filed an open government bill designed to clarify "business days" for governmental entities responding to requests made under the Texas Public Information Act. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, some governments have refused to respond to TPIA requests if their physical offices were closed, even if the staff was working remotely. Many of those governments, citing guidance from the Texas attorney general's office, said such a day didn't count as a business day for the TPIA. Capriglione's bill would give clearer guidelines for TPIA response days. The proposed legislation is House Bill 1416.

Legislation clarifies “business days” when responding to Texas Public Information Act requestsFOIFT2021-02-01T21:05:06-06:00

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