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A measure that's had craft brewers hopping mad for months is now tapped for debate by the full Legislature this year.

The General Affairs Committee advanced the bill Friday on a 6-2 vote after rejecting an amendment backed by Nebraska's craft beer producers.

"We're gonna fight it on the floor," said Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue, who proposed the failed amendment and was one of two committee members who ultimately voted against advancing the bill to the full Legislature.

The bill (LB632) contains a series of proposed changes to state liquor law requested by the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission.

Craft brewers say parts aimed at clamping down on their distribution practices would hinder their burgeoning industry, particularly in rural communities where it has begun to flourish.

Brewpubs across the state held rallies earlier this year to raise public opposition to the changes, and craft beer backers packed a legislative hearing on the measure in February.

Some controversial elements have since been tweaked or removed, but the bill's sponsor, Sen. Tyson Larson of O'Neill, says the remaining pieces are necessary to protect the state from a lawsuit.