June 18 Open Government seminar open to public

The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas will hold an open government seminar on June 18 in Dallas in conjunction with the Texas Press Association Convention and Trade Show at the Hyatt Regency DFW Airport Hotel.

Scheduled from 1 to 4 pm. Thursday, June 18, the training in state open meetings and public records laws is free and open to public officials, journalists and others interested in open government. While being held during the TPA convention, the seminar is not limited to TPA members or convention attendees.

The nonprofit FOI Foundation of Texas offers open government seminars in cooperation with the Texas Attorney General’s Office.

“The training sessions are open to the public and are designed for government employees, journalists, attorneys and engaged citizens – anyone interested in learning more about the Texas Public Information Act and Texas Open Meetings Act,” said Kelley Shannon, executive director of the FOI Foundation of Texas.

Speakers include Tom Williams, an FOI Foundation board member and a partner in the Fort Worth office of Haynes & Boone, LLP, who will present training on the Texas Open Meetings Act; and Tamara Smith, Open Records Division chief with the Texas Attorney General’s Office, who presents training on the Texas Public Information Act. She will also discuss cost rules associated with the TPIA.

The sessions are approved as meeting the state requirements for open government training for public officials. State Bar CLE is pending. 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.