Transparency

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

FOIFT2020-04-06T15:44:38-05:00

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.FOIFT2020-04-06T15:44:38-05:00

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

FOIFT2020-04-01T16:24:34-05:00

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 meetingsFOIFT2020-04-01T16:24:34-05:00

Open government awareness during coronavirus emergency

FOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:21-05:00

By Kelley ShannonExecutive DirectorFreedom of Information Foundation of Texas The coronavirus emergency is creating trying times for public officials and citizens when it comes to open government. But transparency and the public's right to know are vitally important during a disaster. We need more information flowing now, not less. Here are reminders and resources for complying with Texas transparency laws during the COVID-19 outbreak: Gov. Greg Abbott has suspended one portion of the Texas Open Meetings Act dealing with public gatherings during a videoconference or telephone meeting of a public body, but all other aspects of the law remain in force. [...]

Open government awareness during coronavirus emergencyFOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:21-05:00

Gov. Abbott suspends part of Texas Open Meetings Act during coronavirus emergency

FOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:23-05:00

By Kelley ShannonExecutive DirectorFOI Foundation of Texas We at the FOI Foundation of Texas recognize the need to avoid large public gatherings right now during the coronavirus outbreak. Gov. Greg Abbott's suspension of part of the Texas Open Meetings Act allows additional options for governments holding virtual meetings, either through telephone or videoconferencing. Virtual meetings are already permitted under the law, but this action removes the requirement of a physical location for the public to observe the video or phone meeting. It also removes the requirement that a quorum of a governmental body be physically present in one location. Members of [...]

Gov. Abbott suspends part of Texas Open Meetings Act during coronavirus emergencyFOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:23-05:00

Sunshine Week Column: Sun starting to shine again on Texas government

FOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:24-05:00

By Kelley Shannon Texans have something to celebrate during Sunshine Week this year. But we also have more work to do to protect the public’s right to know about our government. Sunshine Week, March 15-21, is an annual national initiative proclaiming the importance of access to public information. First, the bright spot for Texas: Essential elements of contracts between governments and private companies – including pricing and promises – are public again under a law that took effect Jan. 1. It seems like those basics of how taxpayer dollars are spent should be easily accessible, doesn’t it? They were, for years, [...]

Sunshine Week Column: Sun starting to shine again on Texas governmentFOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:24-05:00

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