INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A judge has ruled that the Indiana House can keep private a lawmaker’s emails and other correspondence with utility company officials about proposed legislation.

The decision from a Marion County judge dismisses a lawsuit filed against Republican Rep. Eric Koch of Bedford and the House GOP caucus. The Citizens Action Coalition and other groups argued that under the state’s public records law Koch’s correspondence with the utility companies about a solar power bill should be public.

Judge James Osborn wrote he has no jurisdiction over House affairs because of separation of powers.

Legislative leaders have maintained that the General Assembly is exempt from the state public records law and that courts shouldn’t interfere in the internal workings of the legislative branch.