Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas

Open Government Champions: Clardy presses for public’s right to know

2016-07-19T20:21:24-05:00

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is one in an occasional series of opinion pieces on legislators and other Texans who are openly committed to sustaining government transparency and accountability. The articles are being prepared and distributed by the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas and the Texas Press Association. By GARY BORDERS State Rep. Travis Clardy, R-Nacogdoches, in his two terms in the Legislature has proven to be a strong proponent for transparency in government. “We live in a free society,” he said. “The people’s trust in government and their institutions is relative to how directly they know what is going on.” Clardy [...]

Open Government Champions: Clardy presses for public’s right to know2016-07-19T20:21:24-05:00

Texas Gavel Award winners announced

2016-07-14T22:15:59-05:00

State Bar of Texas News Release, July 6, 2016 AUSTIN — In-depth stories exploring life under Texas’s sex offender laws, the use of civil asset forfeiture funds, and the mishandling of child-support dollars by an employer are among the winners of the 2016 Texas Gavel Awards. Journalists representing Texas Monthly, Victoria Advocate, KPRC-Houston, KLTV-Tyler, and The Texas Lawbook were selected as winners of 2016 Texas Gavel Awards, which honor journalism that deepens public understanding of the legal system. The State Bar of Texas will honor the winners at an awards luncheon September 8 in Austin in conjunction with the Freedom of Information [...]

Texas Gavel Award winners announced2016-07-14T22:15:59-05:00

Houston Mayor Turner uses search firm to keep police chief candidates from public view

2016-06-01T13:28:59-05:00

By James Pinkerton Houston Chronicle Originally published May 31, 2016 Mayor Sylvester Turner has chosen to select Houston's next police chief through a private executive search firm, taking the position that the applications and résumés of job candidates do not have to be made available through the Texas Public Information Act. The process stands in stark contrast to that used by his predecessor, Annise Parker, who in 2010 released the applications of 26 candidates for police chief in response to a records request. "I am not going to conduct this process in the media," Turner said via email Friday. "I didn't [...]

Houston Mayor Turner uses search firm to keep police chief candidates from public view2016-06-01T13:28:59-05:00

Open Government Seminar set for McAllen on June 9

2016-05-31T15:42:01-05:00

AUSTIN _ The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas will host an Open Government Seminar in McAllen on Thursday, June 9, featuring training in the state’s public meetings and public records laws. The non-profit FOI Foundation will partner with the Texas Attorney General's Office in offering the one-day seminar. It is designed for government employees, journalists, attorneys and members of the general public who want to learn more about the Texas Public Information Act and Texas Open Meetings Act. “This seminar highlighting Texas’ open government laws helps to inform citizens of their rights and responsibilities as they participate in our democracy,” [...]

Open Government Seminar set for McAllen on June 92016-05-31T15:42:01-05:00

Court: Austin must ID private email addresses used for public business

2016-04-11T14:54:46-05:00

By Nolan Hicks Austin American-Statesman Originally published April 8, 2016 Public officials won’t be able to shield their personal email addresses from the public if they use the accounts for government business, a state appellate court ruled Friday. Government watchdogs hailed the decision as a win for government transparency and the state’s public records laws. The litigation stems from the “walking quorum” controversy that roiled Austin City Hall five years ago, involving accusations that City Council members violated the state’s transparency laws by conducting government business out of public view. None of the current City Council members were in office then. [...]

Court: Austin must ID private email addresses used for public business2016-04-11T14:54:46-05:00

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