They are working on legislation to require fast-food and chain restaurants to post menu-item calorie counts.

"It's a useful tool, there's no question about it," said Senate Health and Human Resources Chairman Roman Prezioso, D-Marion.

The House's version of the bill is stuck in committee.

"It's about healthy lifestyles. It's about the obesity issue in this state," he said. "I would hope the fast-food restaurants would work with us on this."

Industry lobbyists are working at postponing the bill for a year.

The bill would not require restaurants to post calories until July 1, 2010.