COLUMBIA CITY COUNCIL has wisely approved new rules regulating lobbyists.

The rules aren’t perfect, but they are much better than the toothless versions originally proposed.

The new regulations require contract lobbyists to register and limit them from giving gifts to council members or city employees. Lobbyists cannot give anything valued at more than $25 to a council member or city employee, including lodging, transportation, entertainment, food, meals, beverages or cash.

The council had previously given tentative approval to a set of rules that was much weaker than what eventually passed. Those proposed rules called for paid lobbyists to register, but wouldn’t have restricted methods they could use to sway council members. That would have done little more than require lobbyists to put their names on a meaningless list.

Columbia is setting a precedent for local governments across the state by enacting regulations for lobbyists. The new rules support the notion of an open and accountable government and send a message to would-be lobbyists that they must operate in the light of day.