FOI Foundation of Texas 2020 Awards Show
FOIFT2020-11-10T20:10:20-06:00To watch a replay of today's FOI Foundation awards and highlights online show, tune in here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAulK5ATfs8&feature=youtu.be
Guest Column: Pandemic ignites need for open government at all levels
FOIFT2020-06-01T22:54:51-05:00By 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 [...]
CANCELED: Open Government Seminar-San Antonio on June 4
FOIFT2020-05-11T22:10:19-05:00Because 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.
Journalists put new Texas public records law to the test
FOIFT2020-05-04T21:42:46-05:00By 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 [...]
Open government awareness during coronavirus emergency
FOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:21-05:00By 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. [...]