In case of the death, impeachment, resignation, failure to qualify, absence from the state, removal from office, or the disability of the lieutenant governor, the powers and duties of that office for the residue of the term, or until the lieutenant governor is acquitted or the disability removed, shall devolve upon the president pro tempore of the senate, except that the president pro tempore of the senate does not succeed to the office of governor by virtue of having the powers and duties of the office of lieutenant governor. When presiding over any meeting of the senate, all the powers and duties of the office of lieutenant governor shall devolve upon the president pro tempore of the senate.
N.D.C.C. § 54-08-02