Everything online journalists need to protect their legal rights. This free resource culls from all Reporters Committee resources and includes exclusive content on digital media law issues.
A San Antonio Express-News reporter requested access to a county commissioner's personal emails that concerned government business. The county, unsure of whether to fulfill the request, sought an opinion from the Texas Attorney General. The Attorney General wrote an opinion finding that private emails concerning public business were subject to the Texas Public Information Act. The commissioner then filed a suit against the AG seeking a declaration that the emails at issue were not subject to the PIA. After Hearst Newspapers intervened, the district court held that the emails were subject to the PIA and ordered their disclosure. The commissioner appealed.
A San Antonio Express-News reporter requested access to a county commissioner's personal emails that concerned government business. The county, unsure of whether to fulfill the request, sought an opinion from the Texas Attorney General. The Attorney General wrote an opinion finding that private emails concerning public business were subject to the Texas Public Information Act. The commissioner then filed a suit against the AG seeking a declaration that the emails at issue were not subject to the PIA. After Hearst Newspapers intervened, the district court held that the emails were subject to the PIA and ordered their disclosure. The commissioner appealed.