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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

Odessa American files lawsuit against city of Odessa

FOIFT2020-02-19T15:15:30-06:00

By Laura DennisOdessa AmericanOriginally published Jan. 31, 2020 The Odessa American has filed a lawsuit against the City of Odessa to force the city to release public crime records in a timely manner and in accordance with state law. For months, the OA has battled the city to provide public documents to both the OA and the public that includes police reports and probable cause affidavits in a timely manner without redacting information that has always been considered public information under Texas law. “The amount of information the city has been withholding from the public is appalling,” said attorney John Bussian, [...]

Odessa American files lawsuit against city of OdessaFOIFT2020-02-19T15:15:30-06:00

Photojournalist fights for First Amendment rights, supports FOI Foundation

FOIFT2020-02-12T16:33:23-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUSTIN – Freelance photojournalist Avi S. Adelman, who received a $345,000 legal settlement after he was arrested when taking photographs in a public place in Dallas, has become a major supporter of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas The Dallas Area Rapid Transit board of directors voted in October to settle a civil rights lawsuit filed by Adelman over his arrest by a DART police officer in 2016 as he photographed paramedics treating a drug overdose victim in public. Adelman was arrested on a misdemeanor criminal trespass charge and was held in the Dallas County jail for [...]

Photojournalist fights for First Amendment rights, supports FOI FoundationFOIFT2020-02-12T16:33:23-06:00

Know your open government rights, remember these basics

FOIFT2020-02-05T16:23:06-06:00

By Kelley ShannonExecutive DirectorFOI Foundation of Texas Whatever our political views, certainly we can agree we have the right to know how government is conducting business. How are taxpayer dollars spent? Who is influencing decisions? Access to information allows us to speak up and hold public officials accountable, while a lack of transparency diminishes trust in government. The Texas Public Information Act and Texas Open Meetings Act are the state’s main open government laws. Based on recent frequently asked questions about these laws, here are a few important reminders: Requested information must be provided promptly. That means as soon as possible and [...]

Know your open government rights, remember these basicsFOIFT2020-02-05T16:23:06-06:00

Open government seminar set for Feb. 25 in Corpus Christi

FOIFT2020-01-29T15:27:55-06:00

CORPUS CHRISTI – Transparency experts will gather Tuesday, Feb. 25, in Corpus Christi for a seminar examining updates to state open government laws and offering training on the Texas Public Information Act and the Texas Open Meetings Act. Rep. Todd Hunter of Corpus Christi is hosting the one-day open government conference, joined by the non-profit Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas in cooperation with the Texas Attorney General’s Office. “Open government and transparency are priorities for the public. We need to encourage accessibility and fairness in the public information gathering process. Freedom of information is key to effective government,” Hunter said. [...]

Open government seminar set for Feb. 25 in Corpus ChristiFOIFT2020-01-29T15:27:55-06:00

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