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Protect free speech, open government in Texas by donating today

2015-12-01T16:46:34-06:00

Today is Giving Tuesday, a special day for giving back to your community by contributing to non-profits that work for the public good. The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas is one of these organizations. Please consider contributing today to protect First Amendment rights and open government. The FOI Foundation of Texas was formed in 1978 and has worked continuously for the public's right to know. Funding for our 501(c)(3) comes from grants and contributions by companies and individuals. Any level of giving is appreciated. Contributions are tax-deductible. For more information visit our website's Donation page. Thanks to everyone who takes [...]

Protect free speech, open government in Texas by donating today2015-12-01T16:46:34-06:00

Denton council fails to agree on speech ordinance

2015-10-21T15:06:46-05:00

By Peggy Heinkel-Wolfe Denton Record-Chronicle Originally published Oct. 20, 2015 The Denton City Council kicked a questionable 10-year-old ordinance to its ethics committee Tuesday, after failing to agree to repeal it or even on how to modify it. The ordinance criminalizes speech for council members who talk about city business deemed “confidential.” The Texas Freedom of Information Foundation wrote the city a letter in August saying the ordinance is likely unconstitutional. The council also moved forward new rules for tow truck operators and heard two hours of testimony over the location for the Eagle electrical substation. The council had not made [...]

Denton council fails to agree on speech ordinance2015-10-21T15:06:46-05:00

LBJ Library Director Updegrove speech, open records discussions featured at conference

2015-09-03T16:56:23-05:00

AUSTIN _ Texas ethics disclosures and access to university admissions records will highlight debate and discussion at the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas state conference Sept. 17, when open government champions also will be honored. This year’s Bernard and Audre Rapoport Annual State Conference, “Transparency: Talk vs. Practice,” takes place at the Hyatt Regency in Austin. “Our state has a proud history of standing up for open government and the people’s right to know,” said Kelley Shannon, executive director of the FOI Foundation of Texas. “At this gathering, we celebrate those principles and look to strengthen them in the future.” [...]

LBJ Library Director Updegrove speech, open records discussions featured at conference2015-09-03T16:56:23-05:00

FOI Foundation: Denton ordinance likely illegal

2015-09-01T13:17:06-05:00

By Peggy Heinkel-Wolfe Denton Record-Chronicle Originally published Aug. 31, 2015 A 10-year-old city of Denton ordinance that could make criminals of City Council members who talk about City Hall secrets is probably illegal, according to the Texas Freedom of Information Foundation, which has called for the ordinance’s repeal. Houston attorney Joseph Larsen wrote the City Council a two-page letter last week on behalf of the foundation, a statewide nonprofit that advocates for open government. In the letter, Larsen detailed how the ordinance compromises the First Amendment free-speech rights of council members, the public and the press. The ordinance also usurps and [...]

FOI Foundation: Denton ordinance likely illegal2015-09-01T13:17:06-05:00

Attorney general to investigate Smith County Commissioners Court on open meetings

2015-06-29T14:46:13-05:00

By Faith Harper Tyler Morning Telegraph Originally published June 26, 2015 The Texas Attorney General’s Office will investigate whether the Smith County Commissioners Court violated the Texas Open Meetings Act while working to place unmanned speed cameras in school zones. The investigation stems from a complaint filed in the Smith County District Attorney’s Office by JoAnn Fleming, executive director of Grassroots America — We the People. The six-page complaint, dated May 12, cites nine concerns about the contract with American Traffic Solutions for the cameras and how informed the public was on the contract negotiations. Texas Open Meetings Act violations are [...]

Attorney general to investigate Smith County Commissioners Court on open meetings2015-06-29T14:46:13-05:00
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