Kelley Shannon

FOI Foundation: Denton ordinance likely illegal

FOIFT2015-09-01T13:17:06-05:00

By Peggy Heinkel-Wolfe Denton Record-Chronicle Originally published Aug. 31, 2015 A 10-year-old city of Denton ordinance that could make criminals of City Council members who talk about City Hall secrets is probably illegal, according to the Texas Freedom of Information Foundation, which has called for the ordinance’s repeal. Houston attorney Joseph Larsen wrote the City Council a two-page letter last week on behalf of the foundation, a statewide nonprofit that advocates for open government. In the letter, Larsen detailed how the ordinance compromises the First Amendment free-speech rights of council members, the public and the press. The ordinance also usurps and [...]

FOI Foundation: Denton ordinance likely illegalFOIFT2015-09-01T13:17:06-05:00

Answers and evidence in Twin Peaks shootout delayed by case complexity, police caution

FOIFT2015-06-22T16:56:29-05:00

By Tommy Witherspoon and Olivia Messer Waco Tribune-Herald Originally published June 20, 2015 One month after the deadly May 17 shootout at Twin Peaks prompted the unprecedented mass arrests of 177 bikers, officials are releasing limited information and say disclosure of certain evidence, including videos of the incident, would compromise their investigation. The incident was of such a rare scale and variety that McLennan County officials had never experienced anything like it. Their response after the shooting stopped has been criticized by some and spawned at least one federal civil rights lawsuit and a judicial complaint. Now, as the media, bikers [...]

Answers and evidence in Twin Peaks shootout delayed by case complexity, police cautionFOIFT2015-06-22T16:56:29-05:00

Sunshine Week: Legislative spotlight on private email accounts, police records, news reporting

FOIFT2015-03-16T13:49:20-05:00

By Kelley Shannon Executive Director Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas Private university police beat a man suspected of stealing a bicycle. The violent episode was captured on a dash camera, but when questions arose the police refused to release the complete video. City officials used their personal email accounts to discuss government business, just as Hillary Clinton did as secretary of state. When a citizen sought the local records, which are public under Texas law, city employees claimed their power was limited because they didn’t have custody of the documents. As matters of widespread public concern come to light – [...]

Sunshine Week: Legislative spotlight on private email accounts, police records, news reportingFOIFT2015-03-16T13:49:20-05:00

Bill targets out-of-state public information requests

FOIFT2015-02-16T16:11:05-06:00

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 [...]

Bill targets out-of-state public information requestsFOIFT2015-02-16T16:11:05-06:00

Bill would limit Public Information Act use to Texans

FOIFT2015-02-06T14:13:19-06:00

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 [...]

Bill would limit Public Information Act use to TexansFOIFT2015-02-06T14:13:19-06:00

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