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 most recent recipient is Patrick Canty, publisher of the Odessa American, for his leadership in a long-running legal battle over prompt access to public records.
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
FOI Foundation denounces arrest of TV news photographer covering protest at UT-Austin
April 25, 2024 Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas statement on arrest of FOX 7 TV journalist at UT-Austin protest: The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas strongly denounces the arrest of a FOX 7 news photographer who was covering a pro-Palestinian protest at [...]
Goodbye, scanner. Austin police, fire, EMS will no longer make radios available to the public
By Skye Seipp Austin American-Statesman Originally published April 18, 2024 Public safety agencies in Austin — police, fire and EMS — will soon go radio silent to the public once they transition to an encrypted radio system. This means that the current publicly available [...]
KTRK: How open records law helps shine a light on government
By Keven Ozebek and Sarah Rafique KTRK, ABC 13 Originally published March 11, 2024 HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Whether it's investigating controversial decisions by local governments or digging into how those agencies spend taxpayer money, 13 Investigates relies on open records laws to get [...]