Texas Public Information Act

Records show confidential settlement agreements

2014-01-14T02:51:27-06:00

By Scott Noll KHOU 11 News I-Team Originally published Nov. 6, 2013 EAST ALDINE AREA, Texas – Weeks after the KHOU 11 News I-Team investigation into possible misuse of tax dollars at a local fire department, we’re learning the amount in question could top $200,000. Through the Texas Public Information Act, the 11 News I-Team obtained confidential settlement agreements between the Westfield Volunteer Fire Department and three former department administrators. In the agreements, the former chief and two of her assistants agree to repay the department a total of $210,000. According to the settlements, former Westfield Deputy Fire Chief Tony Searcy [...]

Records show confidential settlement agreements2014-01-14T02:51:27-06:00

Appeals court hears Bexar open records case

2013-10-10T14:54:56-05:00

By John W. Gonzalez San Antonio Express-News Originally published Oct. 9, 2013 AUSTIN — An appellate court heard clashing arguments Wednesday over Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Adkisson's long-running refusal to disclose official communications in his private email accounts. The Precinct 4 commissioner, who in 2012 was ordered by a trial court in Austin to release transportation policy-related emails sought by the San Antonio Express-News, insisted anew that the communications were not subject to the Texas Public Information Act. State and newspaper lawyers countered that the messages must be shared because they were official business. The three judges of the 3rd Court [...]

Appeals court hears Bexar open records case2013-10-10T14:54:56-05:00

Attorney General closes case against Victoria City Council

2022-04-07T16:12:45-05:00

Melissa Crowe Victoria Advocate Originally published September 14, 2013 The attorney general's office is closing its open records investigation against the city of Victoria. Four months ago, a public information complaint was filed against the city of Victoria and one former and three current City Council members for records that have yet to be released In a letter dated Sept. 10, Assistant Texas Attorney General Neal Falgoust said the state would close the case against the city of Victoria. The enforcement authority of the attorney general's office does not include on-site inspections of records held by another governmental office, according to [...]

Attorney General closes case against Victoria City Council2022-04-07T16:12:45-05:00

Key open government legislation taking effect Sept. 1

2013-09-19T16:53:27-05:00

Two major open government bills passed by the 83rd Legislature become law on Sunday, Sept. 1. A modernization of the Texas Public Information Act contained in Senate Bill 1368 makes it clear that electronic messages dealing with official business are public, regardless of the type of message or device it’s transmitted on. That means the TPIA will adapt to modern modes of communication, such as text messaging, emails and instant messaging. Attorney General Greg Abbott’s office has been ruling for some time that these messages are public, and now it will be codified into law. The legislation also provides that contracts [...]

Key open government legislation taking effect Sept. 12013-09-19T16:53:27-05:00

New laws clearly aimed at boosting governmental transparency

2013-09-30T03:09:44-05:00

By Kolten Parker San Antonio Express-News Originally published Aug. 11, 2013 AUSTIN — As the dust settles on the 83rd Texas Legislature, open government advocates are applauding new laws they say leverage evolving technology to increase access and shine light on all levels of government for both residents and officials. “I think it was a really good session for transparency in government. It was kind of the buzzword of the session,” said Donnis Baggett, executive vice president of Texas Press Association. Next month, Texas will become the first state allowing officials at all levels of government in the state to communicate [...]

New laws clearly aimed at boosting governmental transparency2013-09-30T03:09:44-05:00

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