The Governor is vested with the executive power of the state, charged with faithful execution of the laws, and responsible for providing leadership, planning, and direction for the Executive Branch of state government. She has authority to appoint most department and agency heads within the executive branch, as well as members of nearly 300 policymaking, regulatory and advisory boards and commissions.
The Governor proposes the state’s biennial budget to the Legislature, recommends legislation, and may also call special sessions. She reviews all bills passed by the Legislature and may veto measures she believes are not in the public interest.
The Governor chairs the State Land Board, which manages state-owned lands. She directs state government’s coordination with local and federal governments, and is Commander-in-Chief of the state’s military forces. The Governor is also the Superintendent of Public Instruction with oversight of the state’s public K-12 education system.
The Governor appoints judges to fill vacancies in judicial offices, has extradition authority, and may grant reprieves, commutations, and pardons of criminal sentences.
