(a) The chair of the commission shall exercise general supervision over the office of the commission and over appeals and shall direct the administrative functions of the commission. The chair of the commission shall serve as the executive officer of the commission and shall have authority in all administrative matters relating to the members. The chair may
(1) employ and supervise commission staff and appoint a commission clerk;
(2) establish and implement a time management system for the commission members and staff and manage the calendar of appeals;
(3) assign the work of the commission members and staff so that appeals are resolved as expeditiously and competently as possible;
(4) advise and cooperate with the board to develop appropriate procedures for maintenance and transfer of hearing files and the preservation and transfer of records on appeal; and
(5) prepare an annual budget of the commission.
(b) The chair of the commission shall preside over hearings and arguments on appeals. The chair of the commission shall ensure that all functions of the commission are performed with due regard for the rights of all parties and consistent with the orderly and prompt resolution of appeals. The chair of the commission shall rule on questions of procedure and advise the representative members of the commission on matters of law.
(c) The chair of the commission shall, not later than March 15 of each year, make available to the public and file with the lieutenant governor a report regarding the commission for the prior calendar year, including data regarding time periods between initial receipt and final decisions on appeals.
(d) The chair of the commission shall devote full time to the duties of the chair of the commission and may not engage in any other employment or business. The chair of the commission may not hold any other office or position under the United States, this state, any municipality or political subdivision of this state, or any tribal government or corporation. The chair of the commission may not hold office or position in a partisan political organization or party.