Virginia delegates are shaking their fists at the federal government by adding to a crop of anti-government legislation sprouting around the country.

A bill aiming to duck out of federal healthcare reform has been approved by Virginia’s general assembly, while similar legislation has been filed in at least 30 other states, according to the Washington-based nonprofit American Legislative Exchange Council. The Virginia House and Senate, along with Gov. Bob McDonnell, are poised this week to approve a final version of the bill, which says citizens cannot be required to have medical insurance.

But that’s not the extent of the anti-federal initiatives. Dozens of states are trying to assert independence from the U.S. government by resisting regulation of firearms, commerce and currency.

Supporters of the bills say they’re defending states’ rights under the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which reserves those powers not expressly granted to the federal government for the states.

The Virginia House has approved bills aimed at protecting firearms and commerce within the state.

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