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
Appeals court orders release of Uvalde school shooting records
By Ayden Runnels The Texas Tribune Originally published July 16, 2025 A state appeals court judge on Wednesday ordered Uvalde County and its school district to release records and documents related to the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting, affirming a previous trial court order. [...]
Jan Crawford of CBS News to speak at Sept. 26 FOI Foundation conference
Jan Crawford, chief legal correspondent for CBS News and a recognized authority on the U.S. Supreme Court, will be the keynote speaker at this year’s FOI Foundation of Texas state conference on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, in Austin. Crawford's 2007 book “Supreme Conflict: The [...]
Why Gov. Greg Abbott won’t release his emails with Elon Musk
By Lauren McGaughy The Texas Newsroom Originally published July 14, 2025 Texas Gov. Greg Abbott doesn’t want to reveal months of communications with Elon Musk or representatives from the tech mogul’s companies, arguing in part that they are of a private nature, not of [...]