OUR MISSION
Advocating for Access to Public Information
We speak out for protecting and strengthening the Texas Public Information Act, the Texas Open Meetings Act and other freedom of information and free speech laws. We also educate the public about these laws.
Honoring Those Who Fight for Open Government
The FOI Foundation of Texas presents the annual James Madison Award to journalists, elected officials, attorneys and vigilant citizens for distinction in pursuing open government and First Amendment rights. The honor is bestowed at the annual FOI Foundation state conference. Nominations are accepted from the general public.
PROTECTING THE PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO KNOW
Since its formation in 1978, the FOI Foundation has helped citizens access government meetings and records while protecting free speech and a free press. Information is essential to participating in our democracy.
GET TO KNOW FOIFT
Latest FOIFT News
Protecting The Rights Of Free Speech And Free Press
Watson, Capriglione: Close loopholes in the state Public Information Act
By Kirk Watson and Giovanni Capriglione Published by the Houston Chronicle Jan. 26, 2017 After the Sharpstown fraud and bribery scandal rocked the Texas Capitol in the early 1970s, Texans opted to "throw the rascals out" and elect a reform-minded Legislature to clean up [...]
State water conference raises open meetings questions
By Jo Clifton Austin Monitor Originally published Jan. 24, 2017 An attorney for the nonprofit League of Independent Voters of Texas warned the Texas Water Development Board on Sunday that the agency was in jeopardy of violating the Texas Open Meetings Act. However, by [...]
‘Textbook case’ of evading open meetings law in El Paso
By Elida S. Perez El Paso Times Originally published Jan. 19, 2017 Text messages between Mayor Oscar Leeser and city Rep. Jim Tolbert clearly show that City Council members violated state law when they cycled in and out of a closed-door meeting to discuss [...]