RICHMOND -- Gov. Tim Kaine has signed legislation that would remove about 140,000 low-income Virginians from the tax rolls and create temporary tax breaks on purchases of energy-efficient appliances.

Kaine on Wednesday also announced that he has signed legislation allowing children 14 and older to decide, along with their parents, to refuse medical treatment. The law was inspired by a 16-year-old Chincoteague boy who won a court fight to forgo chemotherapy treatment for cancer.

The measures are among the 958 bills passed during the General Assembly session that adjourned Feb. 24. Kaine has until midnight Monday to sign, amend or veto bills. Lawmakers will act on the governor's amendments and vetoes April 4.

As expected, Kaine signed bills (HB 3022 and SB 778) that will gradually increase the state income tax filing threshold from $7,000 to $11,950 for individuals and from $12,000 to $23,900 for married couples. The bills also increase the personal exemption from $900 to $930 for all taxpayers.

"This legislation creates tax relief for many Virginians who need it most," said Kaine, who proposed the targeted income tax relief in December.

Del. Ben Cline, R-Rockbridge County, who sponsored the House version of the bill, said the legislation "keeps money in the pockets of working men and women who need it most and also provides a small bit of tax relief for every Virginian through a higher personal exemption."

Kaine also signed bills (HB 1678 and SB 867) creating a four-day sales tax "holiday" each October for the purchase of energy-efficient appliances. During the holiday period, which begins on the Friday before the second Monday in October, the state sales tax will be waived on appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines and refrigerators that meet federal Energy Star standards and sell for $2,500 or less.

A separate sales tax holiday for hurricane-preparedness supplies will not take effect until 2008. Kaine signed a bill (SB 1167) that will exempt the sales tax on supplies such as portable generators, carbon monoxide detectors, batteries and cellphone chargers for a one-week period in May beginning next year.

Kaine also signed legislation that would give children 14 and older and their parents the right to refuse certain medical treatment if they consider the decision to be in the child's best interest and if all treatment options have been considered.

The bill was passed in response to the case of Starchild Abraham Cherrix and his family, who wanted to reject chemotherapy in favor of alternative treatments for Cherrix's Hodgkin's disease. The family prevailed after a court battle.

"I believe this measure strikes the appropriate balance between the rights of parents and a mature child to make informed medical decisions, and the responsibility of the state to protect the health and safety of children," Kaine said.