By HEATHER NELSON
KU Statehouse Wire Service

TOPEKA — The Kansas legislature progressed in the reworking of a bill that would allow microbreweries to triple their production each year.

The Kansas House amended Senate Bill 346, which had passed the Senate unanimously earlier this month before being introduced to the House Committee on Federal and State Affairs.

SB346 was revised in the House in the Committee on Federal and State Affairs. The committee amended the bill so that under the Kansas Liquor Control Act, a person seeking a license would require citizenship with no waiting period.

There are four licensed microbreweries in Kansas. The four licensed breweries haven’t exceeded 10,000 barrels of production per year. But, as amended the bill would raise the limit to 30,000 barrels a year.

It was announced that SB346 would be wrapped with House bill 2223, which deals with homemade alcoholic beverages.

Currently, those who home brew beer in Kansas are unable to share their creations with friends. HB2223, which is in conference committee, could override the restrictions.

SB346 sets new requirements for licensure. The amendment to the legislation says that a person must be a citizen of the United States, over the age of 21 and a resident of Kansas, among other things.

The bill is in conference committee awaiting approval.

Heather Nelson is a University of Kansas junior from Omaha, Neb., majoring in journalism.