PITTSBURGH -- Three numbers are going to get a lot of attention this week.

Senate Bill 246 would ban smoking in all public places across Pennsylvania -- including bars and restaurants -- and it went up for debate on Monday morning.

The "Clean Indoor Air" bill is facing an uphill battle in Harrisburg. Already, lawmakers are introducing amendments to the bill, trying to water it down.

Channel 4 Action News reporter Tara Edwards reported that, starting Monday, the state Senate will sit down to look at close to 30 amendments.

"It's troublesome that we have so many amendments," said state Sen. Jay Costa, D-Forest Hills.

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Costa said he is in favor of nonsmoking buildings, but he said he worries the amendments could water down the legislation to the point that a ban wouldn't really enforce much.

"The issue has been very intense. We've received a lot of calls, letters, e-mails wanting to see a smoking ban," Costa said.

Against the ban are tobacco companies, several bar owners and the Meadows Racetrack and Casino in Washington County, a new facility that's facing strong competition from West Virginia casinos.

But Costa said it's possible that the bill could include going 75 percent smoke-free in casinos, and that legislation is already in place in New Jersey.

A smoking ban has been in the works for about 10 years in Pennsylvania. Costa said it really gained momentum after new studies showed the harm of secondhand smoke.

Several states have already adopted similar laws, he said.

"I've just accepted the fact that I'm not going to be able to smoke except for my own home. I will miss not being able to have coffee and a cigarette, but I guess I do that from home," smoker Paul Gray said.

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