What can the governor do when an appropriation bill passes both houses?

The ability of the governor to line-item veto specific appropriations is a significant power that allows for targeted adjustments to budgetary allocations. When an appropriation bill passes both houses of the legislature, the governor has the authority to review the bill in detail and can choose to veto specific sections or line items rather than rejecting the entire bill. This means that if there are particular expenditures within the bill that the governor disagrees with, they can selectively veto those portions while allowing the rest of the bill to become law. This method provides a nuanced approach to fiscal governance, allowing the executive to express disapproval of certain appropriations without hindering other funding that may be essential for state operations.

This power aligns with the legislative process, where the governor can ensure that the budget reflects their priorities while still allowing for a portion of the legislative consensus to be enacted. The other options presented, such as changing the entire bill or rejecting it without options, do not accurately reflect the specific powers granted to the governor in relation to appropriations and budget management.