Republicans have lost an attempt to revive pro-gun bills that failed last week in a special subcommittee set up to shoot down the proposals.

Sen. Mark Obenshain of Harrisonburg tried Monday to overrule Senate Courts Justice Committee Chairman Henry Marsh's decision not to allow the full committee to take up ten bills expanding gun rights.

The full committee often passes pro-gun bills.

Marsh, aided by fellow Democrats in a testy exchange, demanded that only the chair decides which bills to bring before the committee.

He refused to allow hearings on bills that would have shielded the public from records concerning concealed handgun permits and exempted from federal law any gun manufactured and sold in Virginia.

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