Public access to government records, meetings and offices has been largely restricted or shut down for months due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Some governments have pointed to a provision in the law allowing “catastrophe notices” which postpone public information request responses in the event of a public crisis such as a hurricane, flood or epidemic.
Open government advocates say the law isn't being applied uniformly across Texas and worry governments will take advantage of the ongoing pandemic to misuse the provision or apply it indefinitely.
What's at stake if public access to government records remains restricted? Who does it affect?
Is there a way to responsibly use the catastrophe provision? What evidence do we have of misuse?
What can be done to shore up Texas' Public Information and Open Meetings acts and ensure government accountability?
Guests:
- Kelley Shannon, executive director of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas
- James Quintero, policy director of the Government for the People campaign at the Texas Public Policy Foundation
"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. Leave a message before the program at (210) 615-8982. During the live show, call 833-877-8255, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet @TPRSource.
*This interview was recorded on Wednesday, November 11.
