Accountability and openness in government under attack in Texas

An editorial in the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal defends the Texas Open Meetings Act currently under attack in Texas courts and the legislature -DB Lubbock Avalanche-Journal Editorial December 11, 2009 Foes of open government are trying to turn back the clock on transparency and accountability in a two-prong attack on the Texas Open Meetings Act. They should [...]

Texas open meeting law supported by FAC amicus stands

The Texas Open Meetings Act supported by an FAC amicus brief withstood a constitutional challenge by former city council members who asserted the law violated their rights to exchange e-mail messages discussing city business in secret. September 10, 2009 After four years of litigation, the U.S. Court of Appeals in Dallas (5th Cir.) today  dismissed [...]

Reporters Committee urges 5th Circuit to uphold Texas Open Meetings Act

The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press has joined with 23 other news media groups to urge the entire 5th Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider its decision by a three judge panel to allow elected officials to talk about public business in secret. The Reporters Committee is arguing that open meeting laws allow [...]

Federal court to re-hear open meeting law case

The full appeals court in New Orleans will consider a case decided by a three-judge panel that ruled that the Texas Open Meetings Act violated elected officials’ free speech rights by requiring a quorum to discuss government business outside a public meeting. -DB Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press Commentary July 30, 2009 By Hannah [...]