(a) There is created the office of assistant comptroller of the treasury who shall serve as such during any emergency when the regular comptroller of the treasury is disabled or disqualified from performing the duties of the office.
(b) If the general assembly is not in session when such emergency exists, the governor shall appoint such assistant comptroller of the treasury to serve until the general assembly convenes, at which time the general assembly shall elect the assistant comptroller of the treasury in the event the emergency then continues. If the general assembly is in session when the emergency commences, the assistant comptroller of the treasury shall be elected by the joint vote of the general assembly.