Each March, Sunshine Week highlights the importance of open government, public accountability, and the public’s right to know how governmental institutions operate. Transparency laws at both the federal and state level play a crucial role in supporting these principles. Many people are familiar with the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which allows members of the public to request records from federal agencies. However, FOIA applies only to federal government records. In Texas, access to information held by state and local governmental bodies is governed by a different law: the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA).
Read moreSunshine Week and the Public’s Right to Know
Sunshine Week is a nonpartisan effort aimed at safeguarding the public’s legal right to access government records to support greater openness and transparency. An initiative worthy of more than just one day, Sunshine Week runs from March 15 – 21.
Read moreA St. Patrick’s Day Research Guide for Texas DWI Law
St. Patrick's Day celebrations often include festive gatherings, parades, and—famously—green beverages. While the holiday is associated with celebration and community, it also offers an opportunity to highlight an important legal topic: driving while intoxicated (DWI) and the legal consequences that can follow. Click to learn more about available research tools for understanding the legal consequences of DWI along with self-help resources for obtaining an Occupational Driver’s License (ODL) or nondisclosure.
Read moreSpring Break and Child Visitation in Texas: Avoiding Family Conflicts
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Spring Break is an exciting time for families—but for parents with court-ordered visitation schedules, it can also create confusion. Understanding how Spring Break possession works under a Texas Standard Possession Order (SPO) can help prevent last-minute conflicts and ensure a smooth holiday for everyone involved.
Read moreMarch Is Wills & Probate Law Resources Month: A Spring Season for Planning Ahead
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March marks Wills & Probate Law Resources Month at the Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library—a time to focus on organizing, planning, and preparing for the future. As we move into a new season, the Law Library invites you to treat estate planning as part of your spring reset—an investment in organization, preparedness, and care for those who matter most.
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