Governor Tim Walz Signs Free the Growler Bill Into Law

(KNSI) — Governor Tim Walz signed the “Free the Growler” and 21 other bills into law on Sunday.

The bill makes several changes to Minnesota’s liquor laws, including raising the cap on growler sales and allowing more off-sale options for smaller breweries. Previously, Minnesota liquor laws put a 20,000 barrel per year cap on craft beer production, preventing Minnesota’s larger breweries from selling to-go beer in 64-ounce containers, growlers, and 32-ounce cans. This bill raises that cap to 150,000 barrels a year.

In addition to raising the production cap, this bill allows smaller breweries to sell their products in bottles and cans and distilleries to have off-sale products in standard size cans and open cocktail rooms.

“I am proud to live in a state with so many locally owned breweries and distilleries,” said Governor Walz. “Every Minnesota business—big or small—deserves the opportunity to succeed. The pandemic has pushed us to think creatively when it comes to the food and beverage industry, and this bill provides more opportunities for these businesses to thrive. This bill is one way we can support Minnesota’s local breweries and distilleries.”

Find additional information about the bill here.

Also signed Sunday, is a bill that authorizes service members in the Minnesota National Guard who have more than twelve years of service to be eligible for enlistment or reenlistment bonuses.

“As a 24-year veteran of the National Guard, I am proud to sign this bill supporting those who have served,” said Governor Walz. “Our Minnesota National Guard has been especially busy in recent years serving in support of both their state and their nation. Minnesotans are grateful for their service, and this legislation will help reward more service members for their continued commitment and service.”

Previously, enlistment and reenlistment bonuses were only available to service members who have served for less than twelve years. This bill allows the Minnesota National Guard’s Adjutant General to offer retention bonuses to additional soldiers and airmen who previously did not have access.

Other bills signed:

Chapter 65, SF3540 amends statutes relating to pensions and retirement for several public pension plans, including workers’ compensation, disability, and pension benefits available to disabled or injured Minnesota police officers.

Chapter 66, HF3285 authorizes counties to use online auctions to sell surplus land following proper notice in a local newspaper and on the county website.Chapter 67, SF1391 modifies the list of persons and entities who are excepted from being a “debt management services provider.”

Chapter 68, SF3850 clarifies indemnity agreements for design professionals and when insurance coverage is required.

Chapter 69, HF2353 protects Minnesota students from having their data be used in ways not relevant to the student’s educational experience. For example, having their data be sold by a vendor to marketing companies for research on children’s media consumption or technological habits.

Chapter 70, SF2922 permits employees of collection agencies to continue working from home as it was established at the beginning of the pandemic.

Chapter 71, HF4221 allows the Hennepin Board of County Commissioners to set reasonable allowances for expenses or a per diem allowance for members of boards or agencies.

Chapter 72, HF2919 repeals the requirement that the Board of Accountancy must automatically revoke an expired CPA license. The Board retains its authority to revoke an expired license following a hearing.

Chapter 73, HF3805 extends the expiration date for the Capitol Area Security Advisory Committee.

Chapter 74, SF3288 makes technical changes and various updates related to the use of distance learning for continuing education courses taken by professions regulated by the Department of Commerce.

Chapter 75, HF4030 protects Minnesota consumers by modifying the chapter of law governing the registration of bullion product dealers.

Chapter 76, HF3013 transitions Sentencing Guidelines Commission employees who are currently in the unclassified service to the classified service, exempting the research director. The primary difference between unclassified and classified services relates to hiring, discipline, and discharge decisions.

Chapter 77, HF3438 contains appropriations totaling over $159 million from the outdoor heritage fund as recommended by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.

Chapter 78, SF3107 addresses the workforce shortage in Minnesota schools by increasing the maximum amount a school board member who is employed by the school district may earn from that employment.

Chapter 79, SF3338 allows the Commissioner of Commerce to authorize certain long-term care coverage to be sold as part of or in conjunction with a life insurance product.

Chapter 80, HF961 creates a new collective bargaining unit for law enforcement supervisors, including state patrol supervisors, law enforcement supervisor positions within the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and criminal apprehension investigative supervisors.

Chapter 81, HF2354 provides a process to register a Canadian court judgment for money in Minnesota.

Chapter 82, HF2665 permit emancipated minors to petition for a harassment restraining order on their own behalf if the court determines that such an action is in the best interests of the minor.

Chapter 83, HF3249 makes administrative and technical changes to the Safe at Home program and related data sharing. The Safe at Home program is a statewide address confidentiality program for people who fear for their safety. It is administered by the Secretary of State.

Chapter 84, SF4108 protects Minnesota consumers by making several changes to various statutes regarding annuities and insurance producers.

Chapter 85, HF3346 relates to the Legislature’s ratification of the FY22 and FY23 labor agreements and compensation plans that have been agreed to by Minnesota Management and Budget and the employee federations and associations, as well as the FY20 and FY21 agreements with the Minnesota Law Enforcement Association.

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