The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas is holding an Open Government
Seminar in Amarillo on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, featuring training in state open meetings and
public records laws.
The free seminar will take place from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Amarillo Area Foundation, 919
S. Polk. The nonprofit FOI Foundation of Texas is offering the seminar in cooperation with the
Texas Attorney General’s Office.
“The training sessions are open to the public and are designed for journalists, attorneys,
government employees 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.
The seminar agenda is as follows:
8:30 a.m.: Check-in begins.
9 a.m. to 10 a.m.: Tom Williams, an FOI Foundation board member and a partner in the Fort
Worth office of Haynes & Boone, LLP, presents training on the Texas Open Meetings Act.
10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.: Tamara Smith, Open Records Division chief with the Texas Attorney
General’s Office, presents training on the Texas Public Information Act.
11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.: Tamara Smith presents training on the cost rules associated with the
Texas Public Information Act.
The sessions are approved as meeting the state requirements for open government training for
public officials. State Bar CLE credit is available for attorneys. 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.