Texas Public Information Act

Roe v. Wade was filed 50 years ago, but Texas still won’t release the full legal files

FOIFT2020-03-08T18:09:43-05:00

By Karen BlumenthalOpinion piece in The Dallas Morning NewsOriginally published March 8, 2020 Getting state and local government records of any kind, especially those of a famous legal case that is nearly 50 years old, should not require a lawyer or a bucket of cash. The state’s Public Information Act is supposed to compel state and local governmental bodies to release records to those who request them within 10 business days. That kind of transparency is crucial to an open society and trust and accountability in government. But in recent years, accessing these documents has gotten harder and more expensive and [...]

Roe v. Wade was filed 50 years ago, but Texas still won’t release the full legal filesFOIFT2020-03-08T18:09:43-05:00

Odessa American files lawsuit against city of Odessa

FOIFT2020-02-19T15:15:30-06:00

By Laura DennisOdessa AmericanOriginally published Jan. 31, 2020 The Odessa American has filed a lawsuit against the City of Odessa to force the city to release public crime records in a timely manner and in accordance with state law. For months, the OA has battled the city to provide public documents to both the OA and the public that includes police reports and probable cause affidavits in a timely manner without redacting information that has always been considered public information under Texas law. “The amount of information the city has been withholding from the public is appalling,” said attorney John Bussian, [...]

Odessa American files lawsuit against city of OdessaFOIFT2020-02-19T15:15:30-06:00

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

Odessa American says city violating public information laws

FOIFT2020-01-17T16:32:52-06:00

By Royal McGregorOdessa AmericanOriginally published Jan. 16, 2020 Signs point to another legal battle brewing between the Odessa American and the City of Odessa following a crackdown by the city on releasing crime information. The OA for decades has received prompt response for requests for information about crime in Odessa but that grinded to an almost standstill following a mass shooting in Odessa on Aug. 31. Some elected officials were unhappy that names of victims from the mass shooting were released quickly and a shift in how information was released on all crime in Odessa began. Public documents that had taken [...]

Odessa American says city violating public information lawsFOIFT2020-01-17T16:32:52-06:00

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

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