Virginia House Republicans on Wednesday killed a bill that would have barred state agencies or employee from helping the federal government enforce new gun control measures.

The bill, sponsored by conservative Del. Bob Marshall, R-Prince William, passed the House Militia, Police and Public Safety Committee last week. But House leadership sent it to the Appropriations Committee Wednesday, effectively killing it for the year.

It's the latest sign Republicans want nothing to do with the social battles that cost them politically in last year's session. House Speaker Bill Howell, R-Stafford, has so far prevented nearly every controversial social bill from reaching the full House.

Marshall's bill was a response to federal gun-control measures that President Obama and Congress took up following the shooting at a Newtown, Conn., elementary school.

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No fan of the federal government, Marshall successfully lobbied last year for a bill that banned the state from helping the federal immigration officials from unlawfully detaining. He also championed legislation that barred the government from requiring a citizen to purchase health insurance, which flew in the face of Obama's health care reform. This year, Marshall is recommending that Virginia create its own currency in case the federal government defaults.

scontorno@washingtonexaminer.com