TOMA

Appeals court reinstates Texas Open Meetings Act indictments against Montgomery County officials

2018-02-08T15:37:09-06:00

By Mike Snyder Houston Chronicle Originally published Feb. 7, 2018 Less than a month before a fiercely contested Republican primary election, a state appeals court on Wednesday reinstated indictments alleging that two elected Montgomery County officials and a consultant violated the state's open meetings law. The 9th Court of Appeals reversed a decision by state District Judge Randy Clapp, who had dismissed the indictments last April in a ruling that found a portion of the Texas Open Meetings Act unconstitutional. The appeals court ordered Clapp to reconsider the indictments against County Judge Craig Doyal, Commissioner Charlie Riley and political consultant Marc [...]

Appeals court reinstates Texas Open Meetings Act indictments against Montgomery County officials2018-02-08T15:37:09-06:00

Six current, ex-members of Pasadena economic development board indicted for private meetings

2018-01-25T14:48:26-06:00

By Brooke A. Lewis and Mark Collette Houston Chronicle Originally published Jan. 23, 2018, updated Jan. 24, 2018 Six current and former members of Pasadena's economic development board were indicted Tuesday by a grand jury for holding two private meetings in November 2016 with a contractor. Board members Ernesto Paredes and Emilio Carmona, former board President Roy Mease and ex-board members Brad Hance, Jackie Welch and Jim Harris were all indicted for violating the Texas Open Meetings Act, according to a news release from the Harris County District Attorney's Office. If convicted, the six could face one to six months in jail and [...]

Six current, ex-members of Pasadena economic development board indicted for private meetings2018-01-25T14:48:26-06:00

Alamo Trust to hold open meetings in wake of transparency concerns

2018-01-16T16:43:05-06:00

By Scott Huddleston San Antonio Express-News Originally published Jan. 15, 2018 A nonprofit board overseeing the Alamo’s day-to-day operations will open its meetings to the public this year. But one state senator says state officials and philanthropists in charge of the historic mission and battle site and a far-reaching plan to improve it should do more to provide a level of openness befitting the Texas shrine. “The public just has an inherent right to know how their tax dollars are being spent. And we’re now talking about the Alamo, which is a big deal,” said Sen. Kirk Watson, one of several [...]

Alamo Trust to hold open meetings in wake of transparency concerns2018-01-16T16:43:05-06:00

Support open government and First Amendment rights by donating to FOI Foundation

2017-12-29T16:45:02-06:00

It's been a challenging year for open government and First Amendment liberties in Texas and throughout the nation. The non-profit Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas has worked in 2017 to protect these rights, and we will renew and intensify our efforts in 2018. The public's right to know is at stake. Our operations depend on donations from individuals, groups and companies. So please support our mission with a contribution today. Any amount is helpful. We also welcome your ideas and feedback, so please contact us to voice concerns and share  information about public access issues. You are our partner in [...]

Support open government and First Amendment rights by donating to FOI Foundation2017-12-29T16:45:02-06:00

Del Mar College board accuses fellow regent of violating Texas Open Meetings Act

2017-12-13T15:10:21-06:00

Del Mar College regent Guy Watts violated the Texas Open Meetings Act by attempting to conduct college business through group emails, a letter to Watts signed by eight board members states. Regents formally distanced themselves from Watts via the letter during Tuesday's board meeting. Regents have approved four censures against him since March 2016, but this matter resulted in a different approach. Prior censures were largely based upon Watts’ violation of his ethical duties under board policies and board bylaws, At-large regent and board chair Trey McCampbell said. Watts' practice of emailing all board members at one time brings into question a potential violation of the Texas Open Meeting Act. [...]

Del Mar College board accuses fellow regent of violating Texas Open Meetings Act2017-12-13T15:10:21-06:00

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