(The Center Square) – Wisconsin public officials cannot hide private text messages and messages on private messaging apps involving public business and they are accountable for legal fees in cases where the court finds the records should be released, a Wisconsin appeals court ruled.

The ruling came in Midwest Environmental Advocates v. Prehn, a case involving whether former Natural Resources Board Chair Frederick Prehn had unlawfully withheld public records that included text messages with then-Gov. Scott Walker regarding Prehn’s plans to remain in office after his term.