(a) A retiree under Subtitle D or E of Title 8 may elect to be a judicial officer.
(b) An election under this section may be made:
(1) not later than the 90th day after the date of the person’s retirement in a document addressed to the chief justice of the supreme court; or
(2) after the 90th day after the date of the person’s retirement in a petition addressed to the supreme court.

(c) An election under Subsection (b)(2) takes effect only on approval of the petition by the supreme court.
(d) A retiree who makes an election under this section shall be designated a senior judge.