(a) If a district judge is disqualified or temporarily unable to serve, or if the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall determine that there is other need for a special judge to be temporarily appointed, a special judge may be assigned by the Chief Justice or elected by the bar of the district court, under rules prescribed by the Supreme Court, to serve during the period of temporary disqualification, absence, or need.
(b) A special judge shall have the same power and authority in the court as the regular district judge would have if present and presiding and shall have the same qualifications as are required by law for the regular district judge.
(c) A district judge who is assigned by the Chief Justice to act as a special judge under this section shall receive reimbursement of expenses for his or her service at the rate provided for in § 16-17-1108.