Abortion licensing bill before lawmakers

Minnesota lawmakers this year will consider requiring abortion clinics to get licensed by the Department of Health in order to operate.

Under the measure, sponsored by Rep. John Ward, DFL-Baxter and co-sponsored by a host of Republicans and Democratic lawmakers, the state would also inspect all out patient facilities that perform abortions.

Last year, the Republican-controlled Minnesota Legislature passed a similar measure but that met with Gov. Mark Dayton's veto.

This year's measure would likely meet a similar fate if the measure reaches Dayton's desk.