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TribTalk: R.I.P, the Texas Public Information Act

FOIFT2018-12-07T15:42:39-06:00

By Joe Larsen Attorney Gregor Cassidy, PLLC Board Member, FOI Foundation of Texas Originally published Dec. 7, 2018, in the Texas Tribune The once-robust Texas Public Information Act lies bleeding. The Texas Supreme Court’s decision this year to deny a newspaper’s petition for review of the opinion of the 1st Court of Appeals in the case of Nehls v. Hartman Newspapers is the latest deep cut. Nehls effectively nullifies the provision of the PIA that says a court shall award attorneys’ fees to a requestor who substantially prevails against a governmental body in a lawsuit to require release of public information. [...]

TribTalk: R.I.P, the Texas Public Information ActFOIFT2018-12-07T15:42:39-06:00

Paris News Column: Time to fight for your information rights

FOIFT2018-12-04T14:31:49-06:00

By Klark Byrd The Paris News Originally published Dec. 2, 2018 Texas Sunshine Laws are bumming me out. Sunshine Laws protect the public’s right to access information generated by the government and the right to witness proceedings of government agencies, boards and committees. There’s usually two parts, a public information act and an open meetings act. Texas, like every other state in which I’ve practiced journalism, has both acts. Unfortunately, Texas’ Sunshine Laws do little to no good. Sources in my research tell me that wasn’t always the case. In fact, I’ve learned Texas’ protection of the public’s right to know [...]

Paris News Column: Time to fight for your information rightsFOIFT2018-12-04T14:31:49-06:00

Corpus Christi community members, civic leaders talk importance of open government

FOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:29-05:00

By Kelley Shannon Executive Director Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas CORPUS CHRISTI - The public must have access to information about how taxpayer money is spent and other basic government data, transparency advocates said Thursday at a forum organized by state Rep. Todd Hunter of Corpus Christi. The event focused on the importance of access to information in holding government accountable. "This isn't partisan," Hunter told the audience at Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi. He noted that many people say they are in favor of transparency, but he said some leaders do not take action and allow special interests to [...]

Corpus Christi community members, civic leaders talk importance of open governmentFOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:29-05:00

Austin vs. Watauga? City claims competition to keep city manager candidates secret

FOIFT2017-10-30T16:34:04-05:00

By Elizabeth Findell Austin American-Statesman Originally published Oct. 27, 2017 Austin can’t allow the public to know who might become its next city manager because it’s in competition with Watauga, Sachse and other small Texas cities for the best candidates, an assistant city attorney argues in a letter to the Texas attorney general. Austin begins interviews Tuesday in its nationwide search to replace former City Manager Marc Ott, who resigned more than a year ago. In March, City Council members voted unanimously to try to keep candidates for the job — even finalists — secret until they make a final decision. The council [...]

Austin vs. Watauga? City claims competition to keep city manager candidates secretFOIFT2017-10-30T16:34:04-05:00

Open government advocates now focusing on 2019

FOIFT2017-07-20T14:48:36-05:00

By John C. Moritz USA Today Network Originally published July 19, 2017 AUSTIN – When a former employee of the world’s largest aerospace corporation began asking about the specific terms of the company’s lease agreement for its operations in San Antonio, it set in motion a chain of events that would gut Texas’ open government laws. And bills to restore teeth to the law that requires state and local governments to tell the public what they’re doing and why they’re doing it were blocked during the recent legislative session and likely won’t be revived until 2019. “This was a huge setback [...]

Open government advocates now focusing on 2019FOIFT2017-07-20T14:48:36-05:00

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