States from Connecticut to California have looked this year to mimic the success of large cities like New York in banning artery-clogging trans fats from restaurants.
But in the 14 states that have so far proposed a ban or restriction, not a single bill has been passed as the year draws to a close. This month, Ohio became the 15th state to make such a proposal.
New bills often take time to wind their way through committees and come up for a vote. But the legislation has also faced strong opposition from the National Restaurant Association and its state-level affiliates -- although the Massachusetts' group recently said it wouldn't fight that state's bill.