Transparency

Amid pandemic, Texas public record requests languish

2020-04-17T16:54:03-05:00

By Asher PriceAustin American-StatesmanOriginally published April 17, 2020 A new state law, passed after Hurricane Harvey, has weakened the public’s right to know information in a timely fashion during a crisis. Some governments appear to be stretching the limits of the law and suspending filling open records requests for weeks on end. Read the full story here.

Amid pandemic, Texas public record requests languish2020-04-17T16:54:03-05:00

Coronavirus has upended local government, moving democracy online and putting it on hold in some cases

2020-04-13T15:21:43-05:00

By Joshua FechterSan Antonio Express-NewsOriginally published April 13, 2020 Democracy at the local level usually involves elected officials weighing policy within arm’s reach of each other, residents delivering impassioned remarks at a lectern, oblivious to the microphone’s cleanliness, and voters filing into libraries and schools. But the spread of the deadly novel coronavirus has forced elected officials to try to strike a balance between open government and the need for everyone to keep their distance from each another — a key tool in slowing the spread of the virus but not conducive to public participation. “The virus doesn’t care about democracy,” [...]

Coronavirus has upended local government, moving democracy online and putting it on hold in some cases2020-04-13T15:21:43-05:00

Reporters barred. Records delayed. How coronavirus shrouded local government in secrecy

2020-04-09T15:19:38-05:00

By Jessica PriestUSA Today NetworkOriginally published April 8, 2020 Read the full story here. Thirty-five states have temporarily altered open government laws to curb the spread of coronavirus, according to a USA TODAY Network analysis of government press releases, newspaper articles and information collected by the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and the National Governors Association. The agencies in these states — from the smallest municipal bodies to the biggest government entities — now can hold meetings remotely. Some allow public comment only in writing, as in Fuller’s case. They’re also delaying public records requests. Read the full story [...]

Reporters barred. Records delayed. How coronavirus shrouded local government in secrecy2020-04-09T15:19:38-05:00

Texas is behind the curve on releasing timely information on the coronavirus. Here’s why.

2020-04-06T15:44:38-05:00

By John Tedesco, Alex Stuckey, Stephanie Lamm, Matt DempseyHouston ChronicleOriginally published April 4, 2020 Texas is bracing for a pandemic that is projected to kill tens of thousands of people across the U.S., but health officials and state leaders are struggling to provide the public with timely updates on how many people are infected and how many hospital beds and ventilators are available for the critically ill. Other states across the country have been providing coronavirus hospitalization figures for weeks. On Friday, Gov. Greg Abbott announced that 827 people have been hospitalized in Texas. But the true number of cases is [...]

Texas is behind the curve on releasing timely information on the coronavirus. Here’s why.2020-04-06T15:44:38-05:00

Palestine, Texas, city council improves technology to ensure public can access virtual meetings

2020-04-01T16:24:34-05:00

By William PatrickPalestine Herald-PressOriginally published March 31, 2020 More than $2,000 of audio and video upgrades over the last week allowed Palestine City Council members Monday to meet virtually – and fully include the public. Computer equipment improvements came after audio and video problems marred last week’s council meeting. Dozens of residents complained on social media that they couldn't hear or understanding council discussions or action. The video failed just prior to a council vote. Critics questioned whether the council inadvertently violated the Texas Open Meetings Act, which was amended by Gov. Greg Abbot to include virtual meetings during the COVID-19 [...]

Palestine, Texas, city council improves technology to ensure public can access virtual meetings2020-04-01T16:24:34-05:00
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