Legislative front: Fair share' health care trend fizzles out.

When Maryland earlier this year passed a bill requiring large employers to spend a specified amount on health benefits, some advocates predicted the idea would wildfire its way to other states as well. But while the idea did spread significantly, further action has not.

Legislators in at least 27 other states introduced policies similar to Maryland's, but only one passed a so-called "fair share" health care bill this year, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Massachusetts passed a law that requires individuals to obtain coverage and l