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
Sunshine Week: Free speech, public’s right to know under attack in Texas, so let’s act now
By Kelley Shannon Executive Director FOI Foundation of Texas We Texans are fiercely independent and like to make our views known. On that, surely, we can agree. Using our First Amendment right to speak out goes hand in hand with access to public information [...]
Legislators hear testimony on closing police loophole in Texas Public Information Act
AUSTIN _ The parents of teens and young adults who died in police custody urged the House State Affairs Committee on Wednesday to close a loophole in the Public Information Act so they can access records about their loved ones' deaths. "Government transparency is [...]
Texas’ highest criminal court strikes down a provision of Open Meetings Act as ‘constitutionally vague’
By Emma Platoff The Texas Tribune Originally published Feb. 27, 2019 In a major blow to the state’s government transparency laws, Texas’ highest criminal court has struck down a significant provision of the Texas Open Meetings Act, calling it “unconstitutionally vague.” That law, which [...]