But legislators continue to invite corporate lobbyists to help pay for fund-raisers that look a lot like the ones that Congress just barred lobbyists from sponsoring.

The bill would bar lobbyists from giving lawmakers and other officials gifts worth more than $75, a limit not significantly different from the current one.

A loophole-marred provision would bar lobbyists from picking up the tab for lawmakers' meals and entertainment.

The other would have barred lobbyists from making contributions to House and Senate candidates and their opponents while Congress is in session.

The new rules bar lobbyists from treating lawmakers to meals or trips.

Addressing another loophole in campaign finance laws, the Senate bill would also bar lobbyists or their employers from giving parties to honor lawmakers at party conventions.

Previously, the state barred lobbyists from spending more than $75 per gift, though lobbyists could give as many gifts as they pleased in a year.

A House ethics manual issued a month earlier explicitly barred lobbyists from covering the travel costs of lawmakers, even if they were reimbursed.

Those critics argue that House rules in effect in the 1990's barred lobbyists from paying directly for a lawmaker's travels, even if the costs were later reimbursed.

The Senate bill would also bar lobbyists from giving gifts and meals to lawmakers.