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.
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 [...]
Records show attorney bill in UT regent investigation tops $400K so far
By David Barer The Dallas Morning News Originally published Feb. 11, 2014 Attorneys assisting the University of Texas System and a Legislative committee investigating embattled regent Wallace Hall billed the state upwards of $400,000 for 2013 work, pay stubs indicate. The legal costs are a portion of the toll of the ongoing debacle, which critics say has sullied UT’s reputation and spurred the resignation [...]
Capital Tonight: National healthcare debate plays out in Texas
Representative Todd Hunter discusses government transparency initiatives during the 83rd legislative session on the Thursday edition of YNN's Capital Tonight.
Open government efforts are cause for celebration
Fort Worth Star-Telegram Originally published 13 August 2 An editor and reporter whose work in El Paso exposed a school test-rigging scandal and a state legislator from Corpus Christi who has worked to improve public access to government information are being recognized by the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. In short, the group’s scheduled annual conference Friday in Austin is expected to be a [...]