SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Slain San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk was little more than a signature away on Tuesday night from getting a perpetual honor.

The California State Senate approved a bill on Tuesday to declare each May 22nd a "Day of Significance" in honor of Milk, the nation's first openly gay man to hold a prominent public office.

The day would not be an officials state holiday.

Milk was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977 but was assassinated along with Mayor George Moscone in 1978. May 22nd was Milk's birthday.

No Republicans voted for the bill, which encourages schools to have activities recognizing the day. It now goes back to the Assembly for minor amendments.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has not said if he will sign it.