AUSTIN – The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas is holding an Open Government Seminar in Denton on Thursday, June 19, 2025, featuring training in state open meetings and public records laws.
The free seminar will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Embassy Suites by Hilton, Denton Convention Center, 3100 Town Centre Trail.
The nonprofit FOI Foundation is offering the seminar in cooperation with the Texas Attorney General’s Office. The Texas Press Association is hosting the event at the start of its annual convention. The Open Government Seminar sessions are open to the public.
“The training sessions are designed for journalists, attorneys, citizen activists, government employees and anyone interested in learning more about the Texas Public Information Act and Texas Open Meetings Act. These laws are for all of us to use,” said Kelley Shannon, executive director of the FOI Foundation of Texas.
The seminar agenda is as follows. Attendees can participate in any or all of the sessions:
1 p.m. to 2 p.m.: Tom Williams, an FOI Foundation board member and attorney with Haynes & Boone, LLP, presents training on the Texas Open Meetings Act.
2:10 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 to 4 p.m.: Tamara Smith presents training on the cost rules associated with the Texas Public Information Act.
The first two segments are approved as meeting the state requirements for open government training for public officials. Reservations are encouraged, but not required. RSVP to kelley.shannon@foift.org. For more information go to www.foift.org or call 512-377-1575.