Section 602.5105. Chief judge.

  1.  At the first meeting in each odd-numbered year the judges of the court of appeals by majority vote shall designate one judge as chief judge, to serve for a two-year term. A vacancy in the office of chief judge shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term by majority vote of the judges of the court of appeals, after any vacancy on the court has been filled.

  2.  The chief judge shall supervise the business of the court and shall preside when present at a session of the court.

  3.  If the chief judge desires to be relieved of the duties of chief judge while retaining the status of judge of the court of appeals, the chief judge shall notify the chief justice and the other judges of the court of appeals. The office of chief judge shall be deemed vacant, and shall be filled as provided in this section.

  4.  In the absence of the chief judge, the duties of the chief judge shall be exercised by the judge next in precedence. Judges of the court of appeals other than the chief judge have precedence according to the length of time served on that court. Of several judges having equal periods of time served, the eldest has precedence.

83 Acts, ch 186, §6105, 10201