Texas Open Meetings Act

Texas open government advocates notch legislative wins but want more

FOIFT2021-11-12T15:49:42-06:00

By Daniel Van Oudenaren The Austin Bulldog Originally published Nov. 10, 2021 Advocates who pushed for changes to Texas’s public information laws at the legislature this year are celebrating a handful of wins but fell short on some of their agenda. Two new transparency laws took effect September 1st, the fruit of a bipartisan effort: Senate Bill 930 by state Senator Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo), which ensures that families of nursing home residents have access to information about outbreaks of communicable diseases within the facilities; and Senate Bill 1225 by Senator Joan Huffman (R-Houston), which tightens the catastrophe exception in Texas Public [...]

Texas open government advocates notch legislative wins but want moreFOIFT2021-11-12T15:49:42-06:00

In pandemic era, Texans’ access to public information at risk

FOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:19-05:00

By Kelley Shannon Bold steps nearly 50 years ago created a landmark protection for the people’s right to know in Texas. Lawmakers approved the state’s open records law, now known as the Texas Public Information Act. Born out of a political financial scandal, the act’s aim was to allow citizens to hold public officials accountable. For the most part, this Texas transparency law has served us well. It’s essential in many Texans’ routine interactions with their government as they request police reports and school budget documents and so much more. It has been used to expose government action – or inaction [...]

In pandemic era, Texans’ access to public information at riskFOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:19-05:00

FOI Column: Even during a pandemic, government must be open with easy access

FOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:20-05:00

By Kelley Shannon Reopening public places amid the COVID-19 pandemic should certainly be carried out with caution. Government offices are no exception. Yet citizens must have the ability to watch over their government, even during an emergency. Especially during an emergency. It’s long past time to reopen public access to government records and meetings that have been shut off for months. This can happen even if government employees continue to work from home for safety reasons. The Texas Public Information Act and Texas Open Meetings Act – two major open government laws that help us learn about everything from local zoning [...]

FOI Column: Even during a pandemic, government must be open with easy accessFOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:20-05:00

Have you encountered a government blocking public information during the COVID-19 pandemic?

FOIFT2020-09-09T20:23:46-05:00

The FOI Foundation continues to hear from numerous Texans who have encountered barriers to obtaining public information amid the coronavirus pandemic. We are keeping track of these problems as we work on solutions for how the Texas Public Information Act and the Texas Open Meetings Act should function during such an unprecedented emergency. If you have encountered a governmental entity stating it will not respond to or fill a Public Information Act request because their office is physically closed or operating with a "skeleton crew" because staff members are working remotely, please let the FOI Foundation know. We also want to [...]

Have you encountered a government blocking public information during the COVID-19 pandemic?FOIFT2020-09-09T20:23:46-05:00

Know your open government rights, remember these basics

FOIFT2020-02-05T16:23:06-06:00

By Kelley ShannonExecutive DirectorFOI Foundation of Texas Whatever our political views, certainly we can agree we have the right to know how government is conducting business. How are taxpayer dollars spent? Who is influencing decisions? Access to information allows us to speak up and hold public officials accountable, while a lack of transparency diminishes trust in government. The Texas Public Information Act and Texas Open Meetings Act are the state’s main open government laws. Based on recent frequently asked questions about these laws, here are a few important reminders: Requested information must be provided promptly. That means as soon as possible and [...]

Know your open government rights, remember these basicsFOIFT2020-02-05T16:23:06-06:00

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