A Democrat-controlled Indiana House Committee has endorsed a bill designed to tighten lobbying and ethics rules.

The House Ways and Means Committee voted unanimously Wednesday for the bill by Democratic House Speaker Patrick Bauer of South Bend. It will be eligible for floor action when the full Legislature convenes on Jan. 5.

The bill would require legislators who leave office to wait at least a year after their term expires to become a Statehouse lobbyist. It also would require lobbyists to report gifts of more than $50 given to legislators and candidates. The current reporting threshold is $100.

Bauer says the measure would provide more transparency in the political process.