83rd Legislature

Key open government legislation taking effect Sept. 1

2013-09-19T16:53:27-05:00

Two major open government bills passed by the 83rd Legislature become law on Sunday, Sept. 1. A modernization of the Texas Public Information Act contained in Senate Bill 1368 makes it clear that electronic messages dealing with official business are public, regardless of the type of message or device it’s transmitted on. That means the TPIA will adapt to modern modes of communication, such as text messaging, emails and instant messaging. Attorney General Greg Abbott’s office has been ruling for some time that these messages are public, and now it will be codified into law. The legislation also provides that contracts [...]

Key open government legislation taking effect Sept. 12013-09-19T16:53:27-05:00

New laws clearly aimed at boosting governmental transparency

2013-09-30T03:09:44-05:00

By Kolten Parker San Antonio Express-News Originally published Aug. 11, 2013 AUSTIN — As the dust settles on the 83rd Texas Legislature, open government advocates are applauding new laws they say leverage evolving technology to increase access and shine light on all levels of government for both residents and officials. “I think it was a really good session for transparency in government. It was kind of the buzzword of the session,” said Donnis Baggett, executive vice president of Texas Press Association. Next month, Texas will become the first state allowing officials at all levels of government in the state to communicate [...]

New laws clearly aimed at boosting governmental transparency2013-09-30T03:09:44-05:00

FOIFT ED Kelley Shannon on Austin’s Capital Tonight

2013-09-30T20:25:13-05:00

On a Friday segment of YNN’s Capital Tonight, Executive Director Kelley Shannon joined anchor Paul Brown to discuss the Freedom of Information Foundation and its mission, open government successes and failures during the 83rd legislative session, and the upcoming 2013 Bernard and Audre Rapoport state conference. FOIFT will host its annual conference this Friday, August 9th at the Sheraton Austin. Speakers, panelists and honorees include, Sen. Wendy Davis, Sen. Judith Zaffirini, Rep. Todd Hunter, Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, Tom “Smitty” Smith, Laura Prather, Reeve Hamilton and more. If you would like to join us, please register today.

FOIFT ED Kelley Shannon on Austin’s Capital Tonight2013-09-30T20:25:13-05:00

Rep. Todd Hunter named Open Government Lawmaker of the Year

2013-09-19T16:16:32-05:00

AUSTIN -- Rep. Todd Hunter, who has authored legislation to improve public access to government and protect First Amendment rights, is receiving the Open Government Lawmaker of the Year Award from the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, is chairman of the House Calendars Committee. He served in the House from 1989-97 and returned in 2009. He has long been an advocate for open government. Hunter will receive the award during the FOI Foundation’s annual conference Aug. 9 in Austin. During the 83rd Legislature this year, Hunter worked to modernize the Texas Public Information Act to reflect the [...]

Rep. Todd Hunter named Open Government Lawmaker of the Year2013-09-19T16:16:32-05:00

Transparency Committee Proceeding With Probe of Hall

2013-09-19T17:03:52-05:00

By Evan Smith Published July 27, 2013 The co-chairs of the Texas House’s Select Committee on Transparency in State Agency Operations have formally asked the University of Texas System to preserve all documents related to Regent Wallace Hall, against whom articles of impeachment are being considered, and to avoid retaliation against employees who may be called to testify. In a letter sent Thursday to Gene Powell, the chairman of the UT Board of Regents, and obtained Saturday by The Texas Tribune, state Reps. Carol Alvarado, D-Houston, and Dan Flynn, R-Van, request “that any and all documents relating to Regent Hall, his [...]

Transparency Committee Proceeding With Probe of Hall2013-09-19T17:03:52-05:00

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    Austin, Texas 78705

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