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
Bexar County, city of Elmendorf fight to keep body cam footage of police killing secret
By Paul Flahive Texas Public Radio Originally published July 25, 2022 Two years ago, Bexar County Sheriff’s deputy Brandin Moran killed Jesus Benito Garcia in a rain of gunfire while a sergeant with the Elmendorf Police Department looked on. TPR requested body cam footage [...]
AG Ken Paxton’s office weighs whether to keep Uvalde records secret
By Caroline Ghisolfi Austin American-Statesman Originally published July 15, 2022 Newsrooms across the country are waiting on the Texas attorney general’s office to decide if records that could reveal crucial information about law enforcement’s botched response to the Uvalde school shooting should be released. [...]
Austin American-Statesman and KVUE publish full video from Uvalde mass shooing
By Manny Garcia Austin American-Statesman Editor Originally published July 12, 2022 The Uvalde mass shooting at Robb Elementary School happened on May 24, seven weeks ago. Here is the video from the tragedy for transparency and a column by Austin American-Statesman editor Manny Garcia [...]