Consumer groups ask court to reconsider records ruling
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Consumer advocacy groups and professional journalism organizations are asking the Indiana Supreme Court to reconsider a recent decision allowing lawmakers to withhold emails requested under the state’s public records law.
The groups filed court papers Thursday seeking an appeal of the April ruling, which found the court had no authority to intervene in legislative matters. Despite that ruling, the court agreed lawmakers are subject to the public records law.
The groups filing the appeal are asking the court to not only reconsider its decision but also rule that emails sent between Rep. Eric Koch and the paid lobbyists for energy utilities must be released.
Advocates for press organizations say the court’s prior ruling could be used by other branches of government that do not want to release records.