BOISE, Idaho - The first reforms of Idaho's 32-year-old laws on lobbying state government have unanimously cleared the Senate.

That leaves only Gov. Dirk Kempthorne to sign the measure that expands lobbyist registration requirements to include those trying to sway the governor, state agencies and commissions.

"The public officials of our state should be working on behalf of the citizens," said Sen. Kate Kelly, D-Boise, a co-sponsor of the bipartisan package. "Governments don't exist for special interests."

The scandal surrounding federal lobbyist Jack Abramoff in Washington, D.C., gave momentum to Idaho's bipartisan push to expand its "Sunshine Law," first passed by voter initiative in 1974 in the era of the Watergate scandal. Lawmakers have also said state-level issues point to the need for change.

For instance, lawmakers want laws governing lobbyist reporting to include consultants such as Phil Reberger, Kempthorne's chief of staff until 2002, who has been hired by companies including Unisys Corp. and Washington Group International to help them win millions of dollars in state contracts.

Under the previous rules, Reberger wasn't required to register as a lobbyist for such activities. He has since registered, following an inquiry by Secretary of State Ben Ysursa. Reberger did not return calls seeking comment Thursday.

Brian Whitlock, Kempthorne's current chief of staff, said the governor will likely sign the bill.

Currently, about 280 people who lobby legislators are registered with the secretary of state, representing such things as corporations, universities, conservation groups and health care companies.

The bill that passed the Senate 35-0 Thursday - it passed the House 68-0 on March 3 - expands registration requirements to include those who are paid to lobby all elected officials, administrative directors, and appointed commission members who wield influence over state contract awards.

Like legislative lobbyists, they'll have to file semiannual reports of their activities and expenditures.

"We get to understand the depth of their participation," said Sen. Bart Davis, R-Idaho Falls and a co-sponsor of the package.

Idaho isn't alone: More than a dozen states are pushing for change, a phenomenon the National Conference of State Legislatures said is being driven by concerns on the federal level with Abramoff, as well as fears that state and local laws aren't enough to ensure public confidence in government.

Many lobbyists in Idaho support the changes.

"I don't blame the policymakers for making sure what their counterparts in Washington, D.C., are being blamed for can't happen here," said Russell Westerberg, a former Soda Springs lawmaker who now lobbies for clients including insurers, Indian tribes and cigar makers.

Even with the revamp, Idaho's registration requirements don't go as far as some states.

Oregon and Washington force companies that employ lobbyists to report how much they pay them. And support hasn't materialized here for an initiative such as one being pushed by Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer to prevent legislators and ex-governors from lobbying former colleagues for two years.

Lawmakers left open the door for future changes.

Sen. Brad Little, R-Emmett, said he may support rules to make lobbyists report their spending more quickly, to mirror campaign disclosure requirements of candidates running for public office. For instance, campaign contributions of more than $1,000 made just before an election must be reported within 48 hours, according to Idaho law.