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Guest Column: Pandemic ignites need for open government at all levels

FOIFT2020-06-01T22:54:51-05:00

By State Rep. Todd HunterR-Corpus ChristiState District 32 Texans have been witnessing things that would have been unthinkable until now. Surge teams, testing of nursing homes for COVID-19 and National Guard helping to disinfect nursing home facilities around the state. This is the time for the public to have access to information for their safety, protection and understanding. Government at all levels should promote the releasing of information so the public has confidence and clarity as to what is happening. An example of where information should be more forthcoming is the nursing home arena. There have been instances where government at [...]

Guest Column: Pandemic ignites need for open government at all levelsFOIFT2020-06-01T22:54:51-05:00

CANCELED: Open Government Seminar-San Antonio on June 4

FOIFT2020-05-11T22:10:19-05:00

Because of continuing COVID-19 concerns and social distancing rules in public settings, the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas is canceling its Open Government Seminar previously scheduled for Thursday, June 4, at the San Antonio Public Library auditorium. The library is not allowing large public meetings at this time. Please stay tuned, as we will try to reschedule this event for a later date.

CANCELED: Open Government Seminar-San Antonio on June 4FOIFT2020-05-11T22:10:19-05:00

Journalists put new Texas public records law to the test

FOIFT2020-05-04T21:42:46-05:00

By Sofia Tyreman A new Texas law aims to provide more transparency through public access to government contracts under the Texas Public Information Act. Specifically, it’s intended to show how taxpayer money is being spent. News reporters are already using the law and learning about its scope. Senate Bill 943, which passed the Legislature last year and took effect Jan. 1, 2020, attempts to address some of the issues generated by the 2015 Supreme Court case Boeing Co. v. Paxton, which weakened Texas’ open records statute. The law is “a good tool to have on our side in terms of making public entities [...]

Journalists put new Texas public records law to the testFOIFT2020-05-04T21:42:46-05:00

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

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

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