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FOI Foundation: Denton ordinance likely illegal

FOIFT2015-09-01T13:17:06-05:00

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 illegalFOIFT2015-09-01T13:17:06-05:00

Attorney general to investigate Smith County Commissioners Court on open meetings

FOIFT2015-06-29T14:46:13-05:00

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 meetingsFOIFT2015-06-29T14:46:13-05:00

New Texas laws protect public’s right to know

FOIFT2015-06-03T16:06:54-05:00

AUSTIN – Texans will gain access to private university police records and more easily observe public meetings because of action this legislative session, while journalists can continue robust reporting on allegations of wrongdoing. The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas pressed for these and other transparency measures in the 84th Legislature, which concluded Monday. One highlight was passage of Senate Bill 627, allowing journalists to accurately report on wrongdoing accusations that are not yet part of a government inquiry. It codifies what has been common law in Texas for 25 years and clarifies a recent Texas Supreme Court ruling. This bill [...]

New Texas laws protect public’s right to knowFOIFT2015-06-03T16:06:54-05:00

Deadline for entering Spirit of FOI Award contest is Friday

FOIFT2015-05-04T15:07:56-05:00

Texas journalists have until Friday to enter the 2015 Spirit of FOI Award contest, which recognizes outstanding efforts to promote open government and the First Amendment. This year's contest is open to newspaper, radio and television stations and online news organizations. Entries must have been published or broadcast in 2014. Winners will be honored at the FOI Foundation of Texas annual conference Sept. 17 in Austin. Click here for contest details. The deadline for entries is midnight Friday, May 8.

Deadline for entering Spirit of FOI Award contest is FridayFOIFT2015-05-04T15:07:56-05:00

UPDATE: Many bills before legislative committees this week open, close access to government

FOIFT2015-04-15T20:39:10-05:00

Texas House and Senate committees are considering more than 20 bills this week that would open - and close - public access to state and local government. The House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee is holding a hearing Tuesday on House Bill 2633 by Rep. Ana Hernandez, D-Houston, that would close off public access to key information in traffic accident reports. Meanwhile, the House Business and Industry Committee is considering House Bill 3199 by Rep. Drew Springer, R-Muenster, that would ban use of information obtained under the Texas Public Information Act for marketing purposes. On Wednesday, the House Government Transparency and [...]

UPDATE: Many bills before legislative committees this week open, close access to governmentFOIFT2015-04-15T20:39:10-05:00

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