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.
Transparency amid pandemic: Is government using COVID-19 to withhold public information?
By John C. MoritzAustin Bureau, USA Today NetworkOriginally published June 4, 2020 AUSTIN — Two influential state lawmakers say some state and local governments are using the coronavirus pandemic to undermine Texas' open meetings and open records laws and they are already gearing up to close loopholes when the Legislative session convenes in January. "You're either for open government, or you're not," state Rep. Todd [...]
UPDATE: Save the date! Government transparency webinar set for June 4
The FOI Foundation and other open government advocates are participating in a webinar June 4. See the updated announcement below for online meeting login information. Please join us!
Rivard Report: Pandemic is no time to deny the public’s right to know
By Robert RivardRivard ReportOriginally published May 17, 2020 One uncomfortable reality for some who collect their paychecks from taxpayer- and ratepayer-supported entities is that the public has a timely right to know what they are doing and how they are doing it. In Texas, however, the public’s right to know is always qualified, despite the existence of the Texas Public Information Act. A continuing legal [...]
Journalists put new Texas public records law to the test
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 [...]
Amid pandemic, Texas public record requests languish
By Asher PriceAustin American-StatesmanOriginally published April 17, 2020 A new state law, passed after Hurricane Harvey, has weakened the public’s right to know information in a timely fashion during a crisis. Some governments appear to be stretching the limits of the law and suspending filling open records requests for weeks on end. Read the full story here.
Reporters barred. Records delayed. How coronavirus shrouded local government in secrecy
By Jessica PriestUSA Today NetworkOriginally published April 8, 2020 Read the full story here. Thirty-five states have temporarily altered open government laws to curb the spread of coronavirus, according to a USA TODAY Network analysis of government press releases, newspaper articles and information collected by the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and the National Governors Association. The agencies in these states — [...]