Lawmakers in Massachusetts are considering the possibility of raising the legal age to purchase tobacco from 18 to 21. The New York Times reports that almost 60 senators and representatives have signed a bill that would make it illegal to sell tobacco products to people under the age of 21. Penalties would range from $100 to $300 for violating the law. Whether or not the bill will advance will be up to The Legislature’s Public Health Committee as early as next year.

The Boston suburb of Needham led the charge in increasing the legal age by being the first to do so in 2005. A few dozen Massachusetts communities have followed their lead over the last decade.

The first hearing has been scheduled by Boston’s Board of Health for Thursday. A potential vote is slated for Dec. 17, to ban the sale of tobacco products to those under 21. The ban would include cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes,  and chewing tobacco. If the measure passes, the new rules could potentially be in effect by February or March of 2016.

In 2013, New York City raised the minimum age to purchase tobacco products to 21. Hawaii became the first state to raise the age, with the law going into effect Jan. 1.

Some retailers in Massachusetts are opposing the measure,  Gas station and convenience store operators say that they would lose business if those between the ages of 18 and 21 are no longer allowed to buy cigarettes.  In a position paper, the retailers call the ordnance “unjustified and misguided.”

According to the group, retailers have followed laws designed to keep tobacco away from children. They urge lawmakers to instead focus on amending loopholes that enable those of legal age to give tobacco products to underage teenagers.