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AUGUSTA, Maine — Where state government goes, technology is not far behind: Maine is joining other states in passing rules to restrict text messages from electronic devices, hoping to stop lobbyists from calling signals from the legislative sidelines.

Rules adopted by the Maine House of Representatives reflect a growing trend in statehouses across the country, which are casting a wary eye on electronic devices.

The House of Representatives took up the issue after some lawmakers observed lobbyists sending messages from their laptops and hand-held devices from the gallery to the floor while representatives were debating a bill dealing with a state insurance program.

Rep. Herb Adams, D-Portland, recalled another example during a committee session, when he watched a lobbyist write on his computer screen, “Ask him THIS ONE!”

Adams, who pushed for the rules, said he has no problem with communications between a legislator and member of the public, lobbyist or not.