Rep. Giovanni Capriglione

Legislation clarifies “business days” when responding to Texas Public Information Act requests

FOIFT2021-02-01T21:05:06-06:00

Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, has filed an open government bill designed to clarify "business days" for governmental entities responding to requests made under the Texas Public Information Act. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, some governments have refused to respond to TPIA requests if their physical offices were closed, even if the staff was working remotely. Many of those governments, citing guidance from the Texas attorney general's office, said such a day didn't count as a business day for the TPIA. Capriglione's bill would give clearer guidelines for TPIA response days. The proposed legislation is House Bill 1416.

Legislation clarifies “business days” when responding to Texas Public Information Act requestsFOIFT2021-02-01T21:05:06-06:00

UPDATE: Save the date! Government transparency webinar set for June 4

FOIFT2020-05-29T16:33:12-05:00

The FOI Foundation and other open government advocates are participating in a webinar June 4. See the updated announcement below for online meeting login information. Please join us!

UPDATE: Save the date! Government transparency webinar set for June 4FOIFT2020-05-29T16:33:12-05:00

Capitol staffers Erickson, Aldredge to receive James Madison Award for transparency work

FOIFT2019-09-10T22:13:03-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 10, 2019 AUSTIN – Two legislative aides who worked relentlessly to strengthen the Texas Public Information Act are recipients of this year’s James Madison Award presented by the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. Kelsey Erickson, general counsel to Sen. Kirk Watson, and Katy Aldredge, capitol director for Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, will receive the honor for their efforts in passing legislation that makes important repairs and improvements to Texas’ open records law. The award honors those who demonstrate outstanding commitment to the principles of the First Amendment and open government. It will be presented Sept. 20 at [...]

Capitol staffers Erickson, Aldredge to receive James Madison Award for transparency workFOIFT2019-09-10T22:13:03-05:00

Lawmakers file bill to repair Texas Public Information Act, help citizens track spending

FOIFT2019-02-25T19:16:07-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 21, 2019 AUSTIN – Two Texas lawmakers filed bipartisan legislation Thursday to strengthen the state’s Public Information Act and give Texans the ability to once again track the spending of taxpayer money. Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, and Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, filed Senate Bill 943 and House Bill 2189, respectively. The identical pieces of legislation address citizens’ access to information contained in and surrounding state and local government contracts. The proposal takes into account months of work by the diverse Texas Sunshine Coalition as well as the competitive concerns of businesses and non-profits that contract with the [...]

Lawmakers file bill to repair Texas Public Information Act, help citizens track spendingFOIFT2019-02-25T19:16:07-06:00

During ‘Sunshine Month,’ put spotlight on government accountability

FOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:31-05:00

By Kelley Shannon Shining light on government to hold it accountable is hardly a new idea. In fact, Texas was a national leader in this realm for more than 40 years. Sadly, the flow of public information in this huge state is slipping from the sunshine into the shadows. Some state leaders have been dimming the lights, ensuring that even the most basic information about our government is getting more difficult to uncover: Who, really, is that candidate running for office? How are our hard-earned tax dollars being spent? Remember the Alamo, and how do we track its restoration money? Texas [...]

During ‘Sunshine Month,’ put spotlight on government accountabilityFOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:31-05:00

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