Here's a news item from the Associated Press: BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Small breweries in Idaho are toasting a plan under debate by House lawmakers that would lift restrictions on investing in more than one company that brews beer. The House State Affairs Committee said "cheers" Thursday to a measure that could generate 25 new jobs initially by dumping limits on brewers who make less than 30,000 barrels of beer per year. Wineries already enjoy freedom to hold a financial stake in multiple enterprises; brewers are limited to one. Professional brewer Fred Colby is helping lead the charge. He owns Laughing Dog Brewery in Ponderay, the second-largest microbrewery in Idaho, but says the antiquated Idaho law forced him to renounce his stake in an up-and-coming new brewery, Selkirk Abbey in Post Falls. Idaho has more than 20 breweries, with three more set to open in 2012.

The Senate-passed bill to ease the restriction, SB 1344, heads to the House for a final vote; it's sponsored by all three District 1 lawmakers: Sen. Shawn Keough, R-Sandpoint; and Reps. George Eskridge, R-Dover; and Eric Anderson, R-Priest Lake.