HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) State lawmakers are considering a bill that would create a Connecticut Antiques Trail, an effort to highlight the state's numerous antique shops.

Sen. Rob Kane, a Republican from Watertown, proposed the legislation. In 2009, he worked with the state Department of Transportation to erect signs along Interstate 84 to highlight a collection of antique hopes in his district.

Kane said it makes sense to expand the trail statewide to connect more antiques dealers with collectors, likening his idea to the Connecticut Wine Trail.

Ed Dombroskas, executive director of the Eastern Regional Tourism District, supports the bill. His organization recently put together an antiques brochure for his region and received thousands of inquiries seeking copies.

The bill awaits a vote in the General Assembly's Commerce Committee on Tuesday.

Kane's district includes Bethlehem, Bridgewater, Middlebury, Oxford, Seymour, Southbury, Roxbury, Washington, Watertown, and Woodbury.