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.
Out of state, out of luck? Restraint on outside access among open records bills
By Allison Wisk The Dallas Morning News Originally published Feb. 11, 2015 Interest in prioritizing open government may wax and wane in the state Legislature. But as the first month of the legislative session draws to a close, a host of bills offered by lawmakers could impact the reach of the state’s sunshine law, the Texas Public Information Act. Most of those bills seek to carve [...]
Bill would limit Public Information Act use to Texans
By Madlin Mekelburg Houston Chronicle Originally published Feb. 5, 2015 A bill filed Wednesday seeks to limit the scope of the Texas Public Information Act to Texas residents. The legislation, filed by Rep. Mike Schofield, R-Katy, would allow members of a governmental body to decide if they want to deny or comply with open records requests filed by non-Texas residents. Current law stipulates public [...]
Texas House members gearing up for committee work
The Texas Capitol is abuzz today as House members start getting ready for committee work. House Speaker Joe Straus announced committee assignments Wednesday. New committee chairmen are hurriedly getting organized for meetings that will start in the next few days, while committee members are getting better acquainted with one another. The Senate has already commenced with committee meetings. To see the full list of [...]
Lawmakers to wait for study of committee substitute posting proposal
The Texas House, in debating its rules for the legislative session, decided Thursday to wait for the Texas Legislative Council to study a proposal that would require posting most "committee substitutes" to bills 24 hours in advance of a committee hearing. The idea put forth by Rep. Jonathan Stickland, R-Bedford, would give the public notice of a new version of a bill that is [...]
FOI Foundation to press for open government at Texas Capitol
As the Legislature convenes at the state Capitol, the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas is at work preparing to promote open government and free press legislation. We'll strive to keep the Texas Public Information Act and Texas Open Meetings Act strong for the benefit of all. We'll weigh in on a multitude of bills that affect public access to information. Watch for frequent [...]
Registration open for FOIFT annual conference
Registration is open for the FOI Foundation's Bernard and Audre Rapoport annual conference taking place in Austin on Friday, Sept. 12, 2014. Sessions are expected to address access to courts; best practices in public records requests; and upcoming open government efforts in the Legislature. The John Henry Faulk Luncheon taking place during the conference will feature presentation of the FOIFT's James Madison Award and [...]