(a) The Secretary of State is authorized to designate one or more of his employees as an agent for accepting service of summons or other process under any statute providing for service of summons or other process upon the Secretary of State or the Commissioner of Securities. Such designation shall be in writing, and all acts relative to such service by any such designee shall be as valid and binding as though performed in person by the Secretary of State or the Commissioner of Securities, as the case may be. The power and authority of any such designee shall cease immediately upon such designee's ceasing to be an employee of the Secretary of State.

(b) The Secretary of State shall charge and collect a fee of $10.00 for accepting any service of summons or other process under any statute providing for such service upon the Secretary of State.