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.
Speaker Straus’ interim charges address transparency, access to information
AUSTIN - Texas House Speaker Joe Straus issued interim charges Wednesday for issues lawmakers will study before the 2017 legislative session, and several address government transparency and public information. Legislators will examine the transparency of state purchasing; public information held outside of control of a governmental body; repetitious requests made under the Texas Public Information Act; and dissemination of criminal records containing inaccurate or [...]
UT System board rebukes regent Wallace Hall over recent public comments
By Matthew Watkins The Texas Tribune Originally published Oct. 30, 2015 Frustrated with his recent public comments, the University of Texas System Board of Regents has again rebuked outspoken member Wallace Hall. In a special meeting Friday, the board voted to "express disagreement and disapproval" of recent statements by Hall, saying Hall doesn't speak for the board and that the continued public fighting needs [...]
Former Senator Don Adams to receive FOI Foundation’s James Madison Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Aug. 4, 2015 AUSTIN – Former Senator Don Adams, who has worked for decades to protect the public’s right to know, is the recipient of the 2015 James Madison Award presented by the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. The award goes to those who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to upholding the principles of the First Amendment and open government. It [...]
Tom Hicks, Kay Bailey Hutchison among those who helped underqualified students get into UT-Austin, records show
By Bobby Blanchard and Christy Hoppe The Dallas Morning News Originally published July 20, 2015 AUSTIN – Dozens of highly influential Texans – including lawmakers, millionaire donors and university regents – helped under-qualified students get into the University of Texas at Austin, often by writing to UT officials, records show. Among those who wrote directly to then-President Bill Powers and then-Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa, bypassing [...]
New Texas laws protect public’s right to know
AUSTIN – Texans will gain access to private university police records and more easily observe public meetings because of action this legislative session, while journalists can continue robust reporting on allegations of wrongdoing. The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas pressed for these and other transparency measures in the 84th Legislature, which concluded Monday. One highlight was passage of Senate Bill 627, allowing journalists [...]
Gov. Abbott signs legislation providing press freedom to report wrongdoing allegations
AUSTIN - Gov. Greg Abbott has signed Senate Bill 627, making it clear that journalists can report on allegations of wrongdoing and receive protections under state law. Abbott signed the bill late Thursday night. The legislation was authored by Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, and sponsored by Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi. The measure codifies a defense for accurately reporting on third-party allegations. That defense [...]