At the state Capitol, the FOI Foundation of Texas supports bills promoting transparency in government and protecting the rights of free speech and free press. The foundation’s staff and volunteers advocate for legislation that strengthens the Texas Public Information Act, the Texas Open Meetings Act and other state laws. Here are updates about transparency efforts in recent Texas legislative sessions.
Texas House approves TPIA required response bill, helping to inform requestors
The Texas House passed HB 4219 on Friday by Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, backed by the FOI Foundation of Texas and the Texas Sunshine Coalition. The bill now moves on to the Texas Senate. The legislation requires governments to reply to public information requestors even [...]
City of Killeen violating state law on citizens’ comments, attorney says
By Kevin Limiti Killeen Daily Herald Originally published Jan. 12, 2025 The city of Killeen may have been violating the Texas Open Meetings Act in regards to citizen comments ever since June when the structure of the Killeen City Council meetings were changed. The [...]
Texas Legislature approves open government bills in 2023 session’s final days
For Immediate Release May 29, 2023 Texas Legislature approves open government bills in session’s final days AUSTIN – Major transparency initiatives shoring up the Texas Public Information Act won approval in the state Legislature before the session’s final day Monday. The legislation now heads [...]
Transparency legislation makes progress in Texas House of Representatives
By Kelley Shannon Executive Director Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas May 9, 2023 Transparency proposals supported by the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas and the diverse Texas Sunshine Coalition have progressed in the Texas House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support. House [...]
Legislative Update: 2021 session
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUSTIN — Texas lawmakers approved two key transparency measures this session to ensure greater access to public records after some governments closed off information during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gov. Greg Abbott signed both bills in the final days of the legislative [...]
Legislative Update: 2019 session
AUSTIN – The Texas Legislature approved measures this session to repair holes in the state’s Public Information Act and shore up the Open Meetings Act in the wake of detrimental court rulings. The bipartisan initiatives won final approval in the days and hours before [...]
Sunshine Week Column: An eye on government can track taxpayer money, expose wrongdoing
By Kelley Shannon As we watch over our government, it’s often about the money. Are taxpayer dollars being spent wisely on social programs, road projects and employee pay? Can we view government contracts with outside organizations? What are the details of bond proposals on the election ballot? Long-established state open government laws – the Texas Public Information Act and the Texas Open Meetings Act [...]
Texas Talks podcast features FOI Foundation’s educational outreach, advocacy
The Texas Talks podcast hosted by Brad Swail and the Lone Star Standard recently featured Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas executive director Kelley Shannon to discuss the foundation's open government outreach and advocacy. You can listen to the 30-minute podcast on Spotify, Apple, X/Twitter or YouTube.
FOIFT Conference 2025 Videos
The FOI Foundation of Texas state conference Sept. 26 featured a lineup of impactful speakers and discussions addressing a range of open government and free speech topics. Thanks to all the conference participants, planners and attendees. Video recordings of each panel session and the luncheon speeches are now available on our website at https://foift.org/about/video/
Governor signs a leading Sunshine Coalition transparency measure
Gov. Greg Abbott has signed into law House Bill 4219, requiring governments to issue a written response to requestors who seek records under the Texas Public Information Act. The measure, a proposal of the Texas Sunshine Coalition, was put forth by Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, and Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo. It requires a written government reply even if it is to say there are [...]
Texas lawmakers pass Public Information Act response bill, other transparency measures
For Immediate Release June 2, 2025 Texas Legislature passes Public Information Act response bill, sends it to governor AUSTIN – The Texas Legislature has approved a measure requiring government agencies to respond to public information requestors or face consequences – an important step in making government more accountable. House Bill 4219, put forth by Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, and Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, has [...]
Texas Legislature passes TPIA ‘required response’ bill, sends it to governor
By Kelley Shannon FOI Foundation Executive Director The Texas Senate on Tuesday unanimously passed House Bill 4219 by Sen. Judith Zaffirini and Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, which requires governments to respond to public information requestors or face consequences. HB 4219 - already approved by the House - has now been sent to Gov. Greg Abbott. Unfortunately, some government officials currently do not respond to every [...]