The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas invites North Texans to attend a free seminar on state government transparency laws Thursday, June 18.
The half-day event will include training sessions on the basics of the Texas Public Information Act and Texas Open Meetings Act, presented by attorneys with government expertise. Speakers will also discuss the cost rules under the Texas Public Information Act — specifically, what government entities can legally charge for records.
Kelley Shannon, executive director of the FOI Foundation of Texas, encourages journalists, attorneys and anyone interested in learning more about public record laws to attend.
“It’s important, always, because the law is constantly being updated, and there are new court rulings and attorney general rulings, and also new parts of the law that go into effect,” Shannon said. “So, it’s good for everyone to stay updated even if you’ve had this kind of training before. There are always new twists.”
Shannon hopes the seminar will inform citizens about government accountability and teach people how to file records requests.
“We just like to point out that open government laws are in place for everyone to use, and if you understand them and understand what your rights are, that’s how you’re able to ask questions of your government and keep a watch over it,” Shannon said.
The seminar will take place at the Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport, Grapevine Room at 2334 N. International Pkwy.
1 p.m. to 2 p.m.: Tom Williams, an FOI Foundation board member and a partner in the Fort Worth office of Haynes & Boone, LLP, presents training on the Texas Open Meetings Act.
2:10 p.m. to 3:10 p.m.: Tamara Smith, Open Records Division chief with the Texas Attorney General’s Office, presents training on the Texas Public Information Act.
3:15 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Tamara Smith presents training on the cost rules associated with the Texas Public Information Act.
Reservations are encouraged but not required. Attendees can RSVP to kelley.shannon@foift.org. For more information go to www.foift.org or call 512-377-1575.