Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas

How many racing dogs failed drug tests? In Texas, that’s confidential

2016-11-07T16:56:31-06:00

By Eric Dexheimer Austin American-Statesman Originally published Nov. 6, 2016 Why would a state agency voluntarily publish information for years – and then, when directly asked for the same material, suddenly decide it’s confidential? That’s what the Texas Racing Commission did last month, in what open records experts describe as the latest example of the erosion of laws the public depends on to pry essential information from the government. The Texas Public Information Act is a basic tool of journalists, detailing what government records must be made public and, if necessary, providing a framework for forcing dawdling or obstructionist agencies to [...]

How many racing dogs failed drug tests? In Texas, that’s confidential2016-11-07T16:56:31-06:00

Attorneys: Public has right to know details of Bryan superintendent agreement

2016-10-13T15:53:33-05:00

By Elizabeth Kamenicky The Eagle Originally published Oct. 9, 2016 Two attorneys serving on the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas board said Bryan school trustees are wrong to cite a confidentiality agreement with former Superintendent Tommy Wallis as their reason for not telling the public why the top administrator suddenly resigned. In the days following the release of a 16-page exit agreement between the board and Wallis, trustees remained quiet about Wallis' abrupt departure after five years of positive performance reviews, including one given several months ago. Wallis, who resigned from his position Sept. 30, received a check last week [...]

Attorneys: Public has right to know details of Bryan superintendent agreement2016-10-13T15:53:33-05:00

Victoria County pays $105,000 for open records advice

2016-09-26T15:07:51-05:00

By Jessica Priest Victoria Advocate Originally published Sept. 24, 2016 Victoria County paid an outside law firm about $105,000 over four years to answer open records requests. In 2015 alone, after several sheriff's office employees were investigated for wrongdoing, the county paid more than $77,000. The county made the payments to the Austin-based Allison, Bass and Magee law firm even though the elected district attorney has offered to answer the open records requests faster and for no outside cost. The sheriff's office wrote in a statement that it wants the DA's office "to remain focused on fighting crime by prosecuting the [...]

Victoria County pays $105,000 for open records advice2016-09-26T15:07:51-05:00

Texas court mulls ‘magic words’ loophole for transparency law

2016-09-15T16:30:22-05:00

By Jon Cassidy Watchdog.org Originally published Sept. 14, 2016 The Supreme Court of Texas heard arguments Wednesday on whether to write a loophole into state public records law that would allow government agencies to avoid public scrutiny and disregard basic public records procedures simply by invoking “magic words.” The court could also decide to eliminate a previous loophole it created, but most of its public records decisions in recent years have favored government secrecy over the transparency that Texas law used to be known for. If the court rules for Dallas in a lawsuit the city filed against state Attorney General Ken Paxton, [...]

Texas court mulls ‘magic words’ loophole for transparency law2016-09-15T16:30:22-05:00

News veteran, journalism educator Wanda Cash to receive James Madison Award

2016-08-16T17:05:17-05:00

AUSTIN – Texas newswoman Wanda Garner Cash, an educator who has led multiple newspapers and long worked for the public’s right to know, is the recipient of the 2016 James Madison Award presented by the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. The award honors those who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to upholding the principles of the First Amendment and open government. It will be presented Sept. 8 at the John Henry Faulk Awards Luncheon during the foundation’s Bernard and Audre Rapoport State Conference in Austin. “Wanda Cash has been a leading open government advocate and passionate voice for the First Amendment [...]

News veteran, journalism educator Wanda Cash to receive James Madison Award2016-08-16T17:05:17-05:00

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    3001 N. Lamar Blvd., Suite 302
    Austin, Texas 78705

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