A package of ethics, lobbying and campaign finance reforms that took effect Monday will make it much harder for public officials to use their positions for personal benefit.

State lawmakers passed the comprehensive law, and Gov. Mike Easley signed it, in 2006 after scandals involving House Speaker Jim Black's campaign and legislative activities. Those scandals include Black's role in the creation of the state lottery, campaign money Black steered to an ally who helped keep him in power in 2003, and the unusual legislative access Black gave to a lobbyist who was also his unpaid political director.

The reforms extend the state's lobbying law to include the governor and other executive branch officials. Other reforms include:

* Lobbyists must report all spending on state lawmakers and top state officials. Previously, lobbyists did not have to disclose spending that they said did not involve the discussion of legislation.

* Lawmakers and top state officials must wait at least six months after leaving their positions to become lobbyists. There had been no such cooling-off period.

* Lobbyists are generally prohibited from paying for expensive meals, trips or other gifts to lawmakers and government officials, though some exceptions remain. Lobbyists, for example, can still pick up meals, travel and entertainment expenses that are part of educational conferences.

* Lobbyists are prohibited from making or collecting campaign contributions for state lawmakers and statewide elected officials. They also can't serve as treasurers for the campaigns of candidates for those offices.

A new State Ethics Commission will require more detailed statements of financial interest from lawmakers and top government officials. Those who mislead on the statements could face misdemeanor charges, while those who lie could face felony charges.

"We do feel that the new laws will truly change the ways of doing business down at the North Carolina legislature," said Louisa Warren, director of the N.C. Coalition for Lobbying & Governmental Reform. "There will be more transparency, accountability and openness in government."