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Transparency in Government

Protecting the Rights of Free Speech and Free Press

OUR MISSION

Ensuring the public’s business is conducted in public and protecting the First Amendment liberties of free speech and free press. Our 501(c)3 nonprofit assists all interested citizens through educational outreach.

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.

  • FOI Hotline1.800.580.6651 available to anyone with a question concerning the Texas Public Information and Texas Open Meetings acts.
  • Latest News – Stay up to date with our latest news.
  • Donate NowDonate to assist open government efforts

GET TO KNOW FOIFT

The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas strives to ensure that the public’s business is conducted in public and protects the liberties of free speech and press guaranteed by the First Amendment.

We assist individual citizens, journalists and government officials through educational seminars, an annual conference and a speakers bureau.

We file briefs in important legal cases addressing open government and freedom of speech and press. Our FOI Hotline connects Texans with volunteer attorneys who explain open government laws.

Our Light of Day project teaches college students how to use public records in their reporting.

We are a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization.

AWARDS

LEGAL CASES

LATEST NEWS

Latest FOIFT News

Protecting The Rights Of Free Speech And Free Press

Why everyone should care about government transparency

By |August 16th, 2018|

Why Everyone Should Care About Government Transparency By Kathleen Stone Government transparency in the state of Texas is the big issue that no one is talking about. Or that’s how it seems to me, the public relations student who joined the FOI Foundation of [...]

Mayor used personal email for arena talks

By |August 6th, 2018|

Photo by Jorge Salgado El Paso Mayor Dee Margo appears to have sidestepped the city’s public information rules and state law during negotiations with arena opponents earlier this year. An El Paso Inc. review of 155 pages of emails and documents, obtained [...]

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