License and appointment continuation, expiration;

staggered dates system. The dates of continuation, expiration of licenses and appointments stated in Section 189 [59A-11-10 NMSA 1978] of this article notwithstanding, the superintendent may in his discretion and in order to apportion the work of the insurance department and others involved in licensing under this article reasonably throughout a period, by regulations duly promulgated fix the dates for continuance, renewal or expiration of licenses or appointments of the respective categories of licenses. No such change of date shall shorten the period covered by any license then existing and the superintendent may provide in such regulation for payment of a pro rata additional license or appointment fee to cover any extension of the period of the existing license to date of commencement of the new license period under the regulations.