A register may appoint a deputy register for the county, subject to the requirements of Title 30-A, section 501. The deputy register may perform any of the duties prescribed by law to be performed by the register. The signature of the deputy register has the same force and effect as the signature of the register. The deputy register shall give bond to the county for the faithful discharge of the deputy register’s duties in the same sum and in the same manner as the register. The deputy register shall act as register in the event of a vacancy or absence of the register, until the register resumes the register’s duties or another person is qualified as register. The deputy register is entitled to receive an annual salary established by the register and approved by the county commissioners. [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]

In the case of an absence of the register in a county where a deputy register has not been appointed or in the case of a vacancy in the office of register due to death, resignation or any other cause, the judge shall appoint a suitable person to act as register pro tempore until the register resumes the duties of office or another person is qualified as register. A register pro tempore must be sworn and, if the judge requires it, shall give bond as in the case of the register. [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]