Governor Rounds is questioning whether an abortion bill can go straight to the ballot if it receives legislative approval and his signature.

A legislative committee gave first-round approval to a bill that would ban abortions except in cases of rape, incest and to preserve the life and health of a pregnant woman. An amendment would send it to a public vote if passed by the Legislature and signed by the governor.

Rounds says he hasn't seen the bill, but says there might be a constitutional question about sending it to the ballot without the usual petition referral process.