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
Texas AG Ken Paxton must turn over Trump rally records or face lawsuit, Travis County DA says
By Lauren McGaughy, John Tedesco and Jay Root The Dallas Morning News and Houston Chronicle Originally published Jan. 13, 2022 The Travis County district attorney has determined that Attorney General Ken Paxton violated Texas' open records law by not turning over his communications from January [...]
Threats from Gov. Abbott among reasons why a Texas school district keeps book challenges secretive
By Talia Richman The Dallas Morning News Originally published Jan. 10, 2022 Fear of retribution from Gov. Greg Abbott contributes to Keller school officials’ push to keep deliberations about which books to ban from libraries private. ... Joe Larsen, an attorney on the Freedom [...]
Texas AG rules government expenditures to Home Depot subsidiary can be withheld from public
By John Tedesco Houston Chronicle Originally published Dec. 17, 2021 The Houston Chronicle reports on lack of transparency in New Braunfels' taxpayer-funded expenditures on a private corporation. Read the full story here.