Connecticut lawmakers on Monday debated the creation of "Trick or Treat Day" as a weekend alternative to celebrate Halloween.

The idea started with radio station Star 99.9's morning show. It got parents to sign a Trick or Treat Day petition that has garnered thousands of signatures. It would make the last Saturday of October the official Trick or Treat Day.

State lawmakers held a public hearing Monday on the creation of the special day. State Sen. Bob Duff said that even if it does pass, the state cannot require children to celebrate Halloween early.

"This is just merely a suggestion to maybe make things a little safer, a little more fun," Duff said.

Some parents are on board with the idea, while one said Halloween should remain tied to just one night a year.

A legislative committee must approve the bill before it goes before the full state House and Senate.

Duff said lawmakers unsuccessfully tried a similar move in the past.