The Executive Power of the State is vested in the Governor. As Chief Executive,the Governor exercises supervision over the agencies of the executive branch. At the beginning of each session of the Legislature, the Governor presents the budget recommendations of the various state agencies and reports on the condition of the State. The Constitution also provides that the Governor shall cause the laws of the State to be faithfully executed and shall conduct in person, or in such manner as may be prescribed by law, all business of the state.
The Governor is designated by the Constitution as Commander-in-Chief of the militia of the State, except when in service of the United States, and may call out the same to execute the laws, protect the public health, suppress insurrection, and repel invasion.
The Governor is a part of the law making process. Every bill passed by the Legislature during regular session and prior to adjournment shall, before it becomes a law, be presented to the Governor. If he approves, he signs it, if not, he vetoes it and returns it with his objections to the Legislature, which can override his objections by a two-thirds vote.
The Governor has the power to grant, after conviction and after favorable recommendation by the State Pardon and Parole Board, commutations, pardons and paroles for all offenses, except cases of impeachment, upon such conditions and with such restrictions and limitations as he may deem proper, subject to such regulations as may be prescribed by law.
When any State office shall become vacant, the Governor shall, unless otherwise provided by law, appoint a person to fill such vacancy, in certain instances by and with advice and consent of the Senate, who shall continue in office until a successor has been duly elected or appointed and qualified according to law.