Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas

What happens in Texas stays in Texas. At least it should, according to a controversial bill filed by a state lawmaker. State Rep. Mike Schofield, R-Katy, has filed a proposal that requires government workers to release information sought under the Texas Public Information Act to Texans only. If a request comes in from out of state, the bill lets government workers decide whether they want to comply. “I’m a big fan of open government,” said Schofield, who served for years as former Gov. Rick Perry’s policy adviser, working on issues ranging from public information requests to voter ID. “The purpose of [...]

By Madlin Mekelburg Houston Chronicle Originally published Feb. 5, 2015 A bill filed Wednesday seeks to limit the scope of the Texas Public Information Act to Texas residents. The legislation, filed by Rep. Mike Schofield, R-Katy, would allow members of a governmental body to decide if they want to deny or comply with open records requests filed by non-Texas residents. Current law stipulates public information in Texas must be made available to all members of the public, without regard to residency. “The purpose of Texas government is to serve Texans, not folks from other places,” Schofield said. “It costs money and [...]