(a) The solicitor-general and employees of any such solicitor-general shall be entitled to a leave of absence from court to participate in continuing education programs as provided in Code Section 15-1-11 and Article 2 of this chapter.

(b)(1) Any solicitor-general of a state court who is performing ordered military duty, as defined in Code Section 38-2-279, shall be eligible for reelection in any election, primary or general, which may be held to elect a successor for the next term of office and may qualify in absentia as a candidate for reelection to such office.

(2) Where the giving of written notice of candidacy is required, any solicitor-general of a state court who is performing ordered military duty may deliver such notice by mail or messenger to the proper elections official. Any other act required by law of a candidate for public office may, during the time such official is on ordered military duty, be performed by an agent designated by the absent public official.