The bill, authored by Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Francisco, closes a loophole that allowed the University of California regents and the trustees of the California State University system to give generous compensation and perks to top employees without public debate.

The measure comes in the wake of analysis by The Chronicle that found as much as $4 million in perks and extra compensation paid over the past 10 years to departing CSU officials without public review.

Yee said in a statement that his bill will "bring much-needed sunshine" to the process and "help restore public trust."

SB190, which passed on a 39-0 vote, now needs approval of the state Assembly and the governor's signature to become law.

San Francisco Chronicle, April 27, 2007