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.
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Latest FOIFT News
Protecting The Rights Of Free Speech And Free Press
2021 Texas Gavel Award winners announced
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJuly 6, 2021Contact: Amy StarnesPublic Information Director, State Bar of Texas800-204-2222, ext. 1706, or 512-427-1706 [email protected] AUSTIN—Stories that critically examined the Texas criminal justice system’s treatment of the mentally ill and inmates regarded as innocent are among the winners of the 2021 Texas [...]
Yet another local government continues to dodge the Texas Public Information Act, citing ‘skeleton crew’
This is another example of a local government still claiming pandemic "skeleton crew" as a reason for not responding promptly to Texas Public Information Act requests. This time it's the city of El Paso. The Texas attorney general's office needs to update its guidance [...]
Another example of a Texas public entity avoiding the Public Information Act by claiming ‘skeleton crew’
This tweet by reporter Dave Hendricks about IDEA Public Schools is yet another example of abuse of the Texas Public Information Act and the Texas attorney general's "skeleton crew" guidance. The school system should have responded to records requests even though they were working [...]