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According to PrideSource, a bill to make Harvey Milk’s birthday a state holiday passed the California Assembly’s Education Committee April 23 in a 7-3 vote. If the measure clears both houses of the Legislature, the date May 22 will become a “non-fiscal” holiday, meaning it should not cost the state money.

“Harvey Milk knowingly risked his life because he believed that by living as an openly gay man he would help achieve full equality for all people,” said Equality California Executive Director Geoff Kors. “His courageous leadership and vision has inspired three decades of progress in the fight to protect (LGBT) people across the nation. A statewide day of recognition in his honor would remind us that we all have the power to create positive social change and that we all have the right to live openly and with dignity and respect.”

The bill also encourages public schools and educational institutions to teach students about Milk, who often is missing from history lessons.