INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ The Indiana House of Representatives has hired two outside attorneys to defend itself from a lawsuit challenging its refusal to release correspondence under the state's public records law.
The Journal Gazette reports the attorneys bill an average of about $400 an hour. Their fees will be paid from the Indiana House budget.
The House is also paying legal fees for Republican Rep. Eric Koch of Bedford as part of the lawsuit.
The Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana, Energy and Policy Institute and Common Cause Indiana sued in April after the House denied a request for correspondence between Koch and various utilities regarding a solar power bill.
The House contends the Indiana General Assembly is exempt from Indiana's Access to Public Records Act.
