Court says officials’ emails are public records

The Latest on the California Supreme Court’s ruling on public access to officials’ private phones and email accounts (all times local):

10:15 a.m.

The California Supreme Court says the public has the right to access emails and text messages about government business sent on California officials’ private accounts.

The ruling by a unanimous court on Thursday clears up a murky area of law in the Golden State.

The use of private email accounts by public officials has faced scrutiny in recent years, with some using it as a way to avoid disclosure. Many states treat those emails as public records.