Gov releases vetoes, amendments

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Gov. Bob McDonnell has vetoed at least seven bills passed by the 2012 General Assembly and amended dozens more.

One of the amendments would allow cities, counties and towns to phase in 5 percent pay raises that teachers and local employees will have to contribute to the underfunded public employee pension fund.

Among bills McDonnell vetoed were those that required the Department of Health to begin a program for screening infants with cyanotic heart disorders and that limited the ability of residential community associations to ban or restrict solar energy panels.

He also vetoed a bill that would have added a $250 annual penalty for Virginia residents who don't put Virginia tags on their vehicles in the allotted 30 days.