A bill making it easier for unmarried couples, including gays and lesbians, to make medical decision for incapacitated partners and leave property to their partners is headed to a vote on the state house floor.

The measure passed the state house judiciary committee despite stiff Republican opposition.

Rep. Mark Ferrandino (D), the bill's sponsor, said that he had wished he could have brought in legislation to legalize same-sex marriage, but admitted to the committee this was the best he could currently hope for.