RGV Open Government Seminar Set for June 13

posted on 6.06.2022

The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas is holding an Open Government Seminar in Edinburg on Monday, June 13, featuring training in state open meeting and public records laws. 

The event is free and open to the public. 

The non-profit FOI Foundation works in cooperation with the Texas Attorney General’s Office in presenting the half-day seminar. 

It is designed for government employees, journalists, attorneys, citizen activists and anyone interested in the Texas Public Information Act and Texas Open Meetings Act. 

“Access to public information is crucial for participating in our democracy. This training will help citizens and public officials learn how to use our state’s transparency laws,” said Kelley Shannon, executive director of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. 

Hidalgo County is serving as host for the event at the County Commissioners Court Chambers, Annex III, 100 E. Cano St., in Edinburg. 

The seminar will begin at 1 p.m. with a session presented by FOI Foundation board member Tom Williams of Haynes & Boone, LLP, a TAB Associate member law firm.

Williams will explain the Texas Open Meetings Act. 

Then the Texas Attorney General’s Office presentation beginning at 2:15 p.m. will highlight the Texas Public Information Act and associated cost rules. 

Participants may attend either or both sessions. 

The event concludes at 4:30 p.m. 

Reservations are encouraged, but not required. Please register online or RSVP to kelley.shannon@foift.org if you plan to attend. 

The seminar is free, though optional donations are welcome and can be made at www.foift.org. 

The Public Information Act and Open Meetings Act training sessions are approved by the Attorney General’s Office as meeting the state requirements for open government training for public officials. 

The sessions also qualify for Continuing Legal Education for attorneys through the State Bar of Texas. 

For more information on the seminar, contact the FOI Foundation of Texas at 512-377-1575. 
 

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