The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas (FOIFT) announced it will host a free Open Government Seminar in the Dallas-Fort Worth area on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Scheduled to take place at the Hyatt Regency DFW from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., the event will offer specialized training on the state’s open meetings and public records laws.
According to a press release from the nonpartisan nonprofit, the seminar is being conducted in cooperation with the Texas Attorney General’s Office and will be hosted by the Texas Press Association at the start of its annual convention.
FOIFT Executive Director Kelley Shannon stated that the sessions are open to the general public and are explicitly designed for government employees, attorneys, journalists, and engaged citizens who want to learn more about the Texas Public Information Act and the Texas Open Meetings Act.
The half-day curriculum features legal presentations from state open-government experts. Tom Williams, an FOIFT board member and a partner in the Fort Worth office of Haynes & Boone, LLP, will lead the initial hour of training focused on the Texas Open Meetings Act.
After the break, Tamara Smith, the Open Records Division chief with the Texas Attorney General’s Office, will present a dedicated hour on the Texas Public Information Act, followed by a final 45-minute session detailing the specific cost rules associated with public records requests.
FOIFT officials confirmed that the training modules are pre-approved to meet the state-mandated open government training requirements for public officials, while State Bar of Texas Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits for attending attorneys are currently pending.
While the foundation encourages interested participants to RSVP online to secure a spot, reservations are not strictly required to attend the free event.