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.
New Texas court access system raises old information demons
By Kelsey Jukam Courthouse News Service Originally published Sept. 15, 2017 AUSTIN - The checkerboard of public access in Texas courts was the focus of a conference on freedom of information earlier this week that included a bureau chief, a local clerk, a legislator and a state high court clerk. In the face of political headwinds from elected court clerks, who see a goldmine in the [...]
Sen. Watson, Rep. Capriglione receive FOI Lawmaker of the Year awards
The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas has honored Sen. Kirk Watson of Austin and Rep. Giovanni Capriglione of Southlake with its Open Government Lawmaker of the Year Award. The award is presented periodically to legislators who ardently defend First Amendment principles and work to expand open government. Watson and Capriglione received the honor Thursday at the FOI Foundation of Texas state conference in [...]
Transparency in government leads to real news
By Kelley Shannon Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas Whether depending on our government for storm recovery, good schools, police protection or other important services, openness and access to information are essential to ensuring the job gets done. A free flow of information helps citizens keep watch on their government. It also allows journalists to report on matters of widespread interest by scrutinizing public [...]
Texas Tribune Texplainer: What social media information is subject to state open records laws?
By Alex Samuels The Texas Tribune Originally published Aug. 25, 2017 Hey, Texplainer: what social media information is subject to state open records laws? Is there anything off limits when it comes to what citizens can request to see? All social media is subject to state freedom of information laws, but whether you get the information you’ve requested depends on whether the communication is [...]
Texas governor, lieutenant governor won’t say whom they block from public Twitter accounts
By Olivia Krauth Austin American-Statesman Originally published Aug. 13, 2017 In June, the American-Statesman sent public records requests to Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, among other Austin- and Texas-based politicians, asking for lists of whom they block from following their public, taxpayer-funded Twitter accounts. The governor, citing public safety concerns, said, no. His fear: Russian hackers. Lawyers for each office said [...]
Open government advocates now focusing on 2019
By John C. Moritz USA Today Network Originally published July 19, 2017 AUSTIN – When a former employee of the world’s largest aerospace corporation began asking about the specific terms of the company’s lease agreement for its operations in San Antonio, it set in motion a chain of events that would gut Texas’ open government laws. And bills to restore teeth to the law [...]