The bill would also establish a broad, searchable database of all firms and individuals with business before the state — a way to cross-check lawmakers' disclosures.
But even with new signs of greater bipartisan open-mindedness on gun control — the House majority leader, Representative Eric Cantor, Republican of Virginia, signaled support on Tuesday for a stronger background check system — lawmakers acknowledged the hurdles they face in getting any bill through both houses of Congress.
They worry the new reports will make it easier for lawmakers to check if they have made such contributions.
Asked about the prospect of combining their bill with another gun measure, such as background check legislation, the House lawmakers soured.
But after checking their calendars, lawmakers said they and their aides had had more than 35 meetings and telephone conversations on the issue with Mr. Hubbard, Mr. Hennessey and Ms. Goon from January through September.
In some cases, Republican lawmakers and top aides stop by to check out the Democratic offices they will soon occupy.
Under current ethics laws, the part-time lawmakers, who are paid $79,500, have to check off a salary range for other employment.
Lawmakers want police to be able to check.
The intent, he said, was to let lawmakers look up the text of a bill, check a fact or keep up on the news of the day.
He said to lawmakers seated in the front row, "You can check in every now and then".
But those voices have largely gone to ground, with the lawmakers unwilling to sign on to any of the background check proposals circulating.
