Any officer for the performance of whose duties in his absence or illness no other provision is made by law, may, with the approval of the governor, designate some other officer in his department, bureau, or office to act in his temporary absence or illness. The designation shall be in writing and shall be filed in the office of the lieutenant governor. The respective heads of departments shall be responsible and liable on their official bonds for all acts done or performed by the persons designated to act in their absence as herein prescribed; except that responsibility for property during absence may be transferred upon the written consent of the governor.

The persons so designated shall, during the temporary absence or illness of the head of the office, have all the powers of the head of the office and shall be known as the acting head, but shall not be entitled to any additional compensation while so acting.