The signings, along with a veto of an economic incentives bill targeting a Fayetteville tire plant, leave the governor with only about 35 pieces of finalized legislation yet to handle of the more than 200 from the General Assembly session that adjourned four weeks ago.

He has until midnight Saturday to sign or veto the bills, or allow them to become law without his signature.

Three of the new laws signed Thursday change public records statutes, require the state to divest pension fund investments linked to Sudan's government and legalize mixed martial arts contests.

As of late Thursday, Easley still hadn't signed bills that rework the state's landfill laws and create an insurance pool so chronically ill people can get affordable health coverage. Easley said he didn't expect additional vetoes with the remaining batch of bills he was still reviewing. - AP