FOIFT annual conference set for Aug. 9

Registration for the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas’ 2013 Bernard and Audre Rapoport State Conference on Aug. 9 is underway.

The event takes place at the Sheraton Capitol in Austin from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Early registration is $100.

Conference panels will examine the 83rd legislative session and explore current open government issues in higher education.

Confirmed speakers include Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo; Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake;
Tom “Smitty” Smith, Public Citizen; Laura Prather, Haynes & Boone, Austin; Reeve Hamilton, Texas Tribune, Austin; James Drew, The Dallas Morning News; Craig McDonald, Texans for Public Justice, Austin and Brian Collister, KTRK-TV Houston.

Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, will be honored with the group’s inaugural Open Government Lawmaker of the Year Award at a luncheon.

Hunter passed the state’s Anti-SLAPP litigation law in 2011 and a follow-up bill this session as well as the 2013 Defamation Mitigation Act.

He was also instrumental in passage of the 2009 Free Flow of Information Act.

This year Hunter was also the House sponsor of SB 1563 by Sen. Rodney Ellis, a major tune-up to the Texas Public Information Act in the area of electronic communications.

Questions?  Contact TAB's Michael Schneider or call (512) 322-9944.