'Free the Growler' Becomes Law, Improving Minnesota's Agriculture Economy

A years-long effort to ‘Free the Growler’ was one of the successes of the recent legislative session. Governor Tim Walz held a ceremonial bill signing at a suburban brewing company, to mark some big changes to Minnesota’s liquor laws. Senator Karin Housley, R-Stillwater, joins Capitol Report Moderator Shannon Loehrke to explain how those changes will impact the state's craft brewers and distillers.

In a legislative session that left a lot undone - including a tax bill, a bonding bill and supplemental investments in education, health and human services and public safety - an omnibus agriculture bill with relief for drought-stricken farmers was one of the few successes.  Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen joins Shannon to review some of the major changes, including the expansion of broadband access, funding for a soil-health financial assistance program and assistance to farmers struggling with mental health challenges.

Also in the program, Senate DFL lawmakers call for tighter firearm regulations, Governor Tim Walz signs a measure aiding Minnesota veterans and weighs in on a Finnish delegation's recent trade visit to Minnesota and Finland's move to join NATO.