(a) The person to whom the contract is awarded shall become and be known as the state publisher of court reports when his bond is approved by the Attorney General.

(b) The contract awarded to the publisher must be renewed each year during his four-year term. At the end of the four years, the reporter shall prepare a contract as set forth in Code Section 50-18-21 and follow the procedures set forth in Code Section 50-18-22.

(c) The state publisher can succeed himself as long as his bid on the contract is accepted by the reporter with the approval of the Governor.