Joe Larsen

Media law experts say arrest violated citizen journalist’s First Amendment rights

2017-12-19T16:09:30-06:00

By Julia Wallace Laredo Morning Times Originally published Dec. 17, 2017 The recent arrest of Priscilla Villarreal, better known as the Facebook star/citizen journalist Lagordiloca, on misuse of information charges is novel, and potentially a violation of her First Amendment rights, according to several media law experts. Villarreal was charged Wednesday with two counts of misuse of information. Police said she received or solicited information from one of their own in order to obtain a benefit. The cop, a 19-year veteran, has been placed on administrative reassignment pending the outcome of internal and criminal investigations. Villarreal regularly received information about arrests, [...]

Media law experts say arrest violated citizen journalist’s First Amendment rights2017-12-19T16:09:30-06:00

Texas Tribune Texplainer: What social media information is subject to state open records laws?

2017-08-28T16:04:23-05:00

By Alex Samuels The Texas Tribune Originally published Aug. 25, 2017 Hey, Texplainer: what social media information is subject to state open records laws? Is there anything off limits when it comes to what citizens can request to see? All social media is subject to state freedom of information laws, but whether you get the information you’ve requested depends on whether the communication is considered official business of a governmental body. According to Joe Larsen, counsel for Sedgwick Law in Houston, official business is any matter over which a governmental body has any authority. “It doesn’t really matter what medium it’s [...]

Texas Tribune Texplainer: What social media information is subject to state open records laws?2017-08-28T16:04:23-05:00

Montgomery County case tests strength of open meetings law

2017-03-24T15:11:38-05:00

By Mike Snyder Houston Chronicle Originally published March 23, 2017 It must have seemed like such a simple solution. The chairman of Pasadena's tax-funded economic development agency wanted its board to hear a presentation from an engineering firm last November. But no public notice had been posted, as the Texas Open Meetings Act requires. So Roy Mease, the chairman of the Pasadena Second Century Corp., divided the board into two groups that received separate briefings on the same day. No quorum; no problem. Right? After Mease acknowledged this gambit to my colleague Kristi Nix, Pasadena Councilman Sammy Casados filed a complaint [...]

Montgomery County case tests strength of open meetings law2017-03-24T15:11:38-05:00

Texas Supreme Court ruling expands government exception for attorney-client privilege

2017-02-07T16:29:06-06:00

By Chuck Lindell Austin American Statesman Originally published Feb. 3, 2017 In another decision that has alarmed open government advocates, the Texas Supreme Court on Friday carved out a special exception for public access to government information involving communication with lawyers. The 7-2 ruling said protecting attorney-client privilege is too important to force governments to disclose such information, even if the Texas Public Information Act’s requirements aren’t followed. Attorney-client privilege ensures the free flow of information and protects access to legal advice that is vital to better formulate government policy, said the opinion by Justice Eva Guzman. “Full and frank legal [...]

Texas Supreme Court ruling expands government exception for attorney-client privilege2017-02-07T16:29:06-06:00

‘Textbook case’ of evading open meetings law in El Paso

2017-01-24T13:55:02-06:00

By Elida S. Perez El Paso Times Originally published Jan. 19, 2017 Text messages between Mayor Oscar Leeser and city Rep. Jim Tolbert clearly show that City Council members violated state law when they cycled in and out of a closed-door meeting to discuss alternative sites for a planned $180 million Downtown arena, a Texas open government expert said. Tolbert texted Leeser on the same day that the mayor and several City Council representatives met behind closed doors with opponents of a plan to place the voter-approved arena in Union Plaza's Duranguito neighborhood. In his text, Tolbert expressed his frustration at [...]

‘Textbook case’ of evading open meetings law in El Paso2017-01-24T13:55:02-06:00

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