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FOI Foundation planning fall online conference series

2020-08-12T19:14:00-05:00

The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, which is not holding an in-person state conference this year because of the coronavirus, instead is planning fall online programs to explore leading open government issues. These online discussions will focus on transparency matters related to the COVID-19 pandemic, modern-day challenges surrounding the Texas Public Information Act and other timely topics. An online awards celebration will honor the James Madison Award recipient, the Spirit of FOI Award winners and the State Bar's Texas Gavel Award winners. Detailed information on dates and times of the online programs will be coming soon. Stay tuned!

FOI Foundation planning fall online conference series2020-08-12T19:14:00-05:00

FOI Foundation state conference to be online event in 2020

2020-06-19T15:56:05-05:00

Because of continuing concerns about the spread of the coronavirus, the FOI Foundation of Texas state conference originally scheduled for Austin on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020, will not take place in person. Instead, we will host online open government events this fall focusing on timely transparency issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, police accountability and more. Stay tuned for further details. We look forward to returning to an in-person conference in September 2021 at the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center in Austin. 

FOI Foundation state conference to be online event in 20202020-06-19T15:56:05-05:00

Transparency amid pandemic: Is government using COVID-19 to withhold public information?

2020-06-05T17:31:19-05:00

By John C. MoritzAustin Bureau, USA Today NetworkOriginally published June 4, 2020 AUSTIN — Two influential state lawmakers say some state and local governments are using the coronavirus pandemic to undermine Texas' open meetings and open records laws and they are already gearing up to close loopholes when the Legislative session convenes in January. "You're either for open government, or you're not," state Rep. Todd Hunter said during an online seminar on government transparency organized Thursday by the Texas Freedom of Information Foundation and the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce. "If you're in the business of creating speed bumps (to stop or delay the release of [...]

Transparency amid pandemic: Is government using COVID-19 to withhold public information?2020-06-05T17:31:19-05:00

Rivard Report: Pandemic is no time to deny the public’s right to know

2020-05-18T14:03:29-05:00

By Robert RivardRivard ReportOriginally published May 17, 2020 One uncomfortable reality for some who collect their paychecks from taxpayer- and ratepayer-supported entities is that the public has a timely right to know what they are doing and how they are doing it. In Texas, however, the public’s right to know is always qualified, despite the existence of the Texas Public Information Act. A continuing legal fight over access to meetings and public records has been waged since the 1970s, when public corruption scandals finally forced legislators in Austin to act. Yet the standoff continues today. ... Now the coronavirus outbreak and ensuing [...]

Rivard Report: Pandemic is no time to deny the public’s right to know2020-05-18T14:03:29-05:00

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  • Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas
    Kelley Shannon, Executive Director
    3001 N. Lamar Blvd., Suite 302
    Austin, Texas 78705

  • (512) 377-1575

  • [email protected]

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