Texas Public Information Act

At the root of democracy: Free flow of information

FOIFT2022-04-13T15:01:54-05:00

By Kelley Shannon Executive Director Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas As Ukrainians fight and die for democracy, Russia is arresting its own citizens who are protesting the war and threatening prison for journalists who report the truth. The attempt to crush a democratic government and stop the flow of information comes as American news organizations and transparency advocates observe Sunshine Week from March 13-19, a time for highlighting government openness and a free press. Certainly, let’s commemorate the freedom of information we enjoy – and constantly strive to improve – in the United States. But it’s imperative to contrast it [...]

At the root of democracy: Free flow of informationFOIFT2022-04-13T15:01:54-05:00

How the University of Texas defers to business interests in public records requests

FOIFT2022-03-03T17:19:11-06:00

By Asher Price Axios Originally published March 2, 2022 Axios Austin is currently embroiled in three open records disputes with the University of Texas. Why it matters: University officials acknowledge they are deferring to business interests — instead of simply releasing information to the public. Details: UT officials are refusing to say how much money the public university has agreed to pay one outside firm to assist in its ongoing law school dean search or how much it's contracted to pay another to consult on name-image-likeness issues involving student-athletes. Read the full story here.

How the University of Texas defers to business interests in public records requestsFOIFT2022-03-03T17:19:11-06:00

Judge dismisses Odessa American’s open records lawsuit

FOIFT2022-02-25T17:17:31-06:00

By Hannah Burbank CBS7/KOSA Originally published Feb. 16, 2022 ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - A judge dismissed the Odessa American’s lawsuit against the City of Odessa. On Tuesday, City Council discussed the court's order. The Odessa American claims the city violated the Texas Public Information Act; however the City said it did nothing wrong. The Odessa American said the city was redacting information but city officials said they were only redacting information like Social Security numbers and license numbers. The newspaper also contended that the city wasn't releasing public records in a timely manner.

Judge dismisses Odessa American’s open records lawsuitFOIFT2022-02-25T17:17:31-06:00

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

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