Topeka ? A bill pushed by anti-abortion groups to impose tougher regulations on abortion clinics cleared another hurdle on its path to legislative approval — and a likely veto by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

The Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee endorsed the bill on a 5-3 vote Tuesday, a day after the House approved the measure. The committee’s action sent the measure to the Senate, where debate is expected by the end of next week.

The bill would require abortion clinics to obtain an annual license from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The bill also would set minimum health and safety standards and require the health department to impose other rules.

During a 45-minute hearing Tuesday, supporters said the bill would protect women’s health, arguing that abortions are often performed under unsafe conditions.

Opponents said the bill’s real purpose was to drive clinics out of business.

Sebelius, who supports abortion rights, vetoed a similar bill in 2003 and has said she’s unlikely to sign this year’s legislation, unless it applies to all surgeries or similar procedures performed in doctor’s offices and clinics, not just abortions.

The health department regulates hospitals and outpatient surgical centers, but not offices or clinics where minor surgery is performed. Abortion clinics fall into that last category, though their doctors are licensed by the State Board of Healing Arts.