New rules are coming for those free meals paid for by lobbyists and accepted by lawmakers.

The reporting changes to this practice have been a long time coming and are much overdue.

Up until now the interpretation and understanding of what “infrequent” meals mean has been a grey area that has allowed many advantages for both lawmakers and lobbyists.

A limit of 12 free meals received within a single year has been recently set by the Legislature’s ethics board.

The board has forwarded a request to both the State House and Senate that they pass laws to tighten up reporting so that lawmakers will need to report all free meals that they accept.

In an effort to increase transparency, the information required in future reporting will not only include the value of the meals and drinks but also a list of the associated events as well.

Efforts to increase transparency and accountability should not be diminished or dismissed simply because the amounts involved and/or contributed are small in nature.

The bigger picture of political finance reform and improved reporting mechanisms is made up of a series of smaller pieces that need to receive individual legislated corrections or adjustments to move forward with clarity.

No free passes for the lower levels of political party and campaign involvement either. Organizations or parties that cull, support and endorse candidates should have open, transparent and accountable operations.

The financial and operational decisions that they make as appointed stewards, should literally be an open book to the voters and contributors that support them.

What they spend on meals, events and entry fees for themselves and the candidates they represent should be validated, accounted for and available for review.

I will share, on a personal side note, that a member of the Legislative Ethics Board, Senator Jamie Pederson, D-Seattle, who is working in favor of the current reform measures, is someone whose career I have followed for a long time.

I had the wonderful pleasure of attending the same high school as Jamie.

We both participated on the school debate team where the seeds of our civic interest and political involvement were nurtured and encouraged.

Even during those early years many of us knew that Jamie was special. His passion for the world of politics was impressive for someone his age.

I have not always agreed with him on some of his votes or decisions, but I have a great deal of respect for what he has been able to accomplish as a man and as a legislator.

His service on the Legislative Ethics Board and his work on the issue of lawmaker accepted meals paid for by lobbyists is something I very much support, appreciate and respect.

Colleen Smidt is a longtime resident of Bremerton and writes weekly about community and political matters in the Bremerton and Central Kitsap area.

You can email her at colleensmidt@gmail.com.