(a)  Notwithstanding any of the provisions of this chapter, the commissioner may permit an experienced motor vehicle appraiser to act as a motor vehicle physical damage appraiser in this state without a Rhode Island license if:

(1)  The appraiser is either a licensed appraiser in another state which requires a license or regularly appraises motor vehicle damage in another state where such licensing is not required and works for an insurance company authorized to do business in Rhode Island; and

(2)  He or she is engaged in emergency insurance appraisal work during the period of emergency only, as determined by the commissioner.

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(b)  The experienced appraiser may work in this state either for an employer who is an appraiser licensed by this state, or for a regular employer of one or more appraisers licensed by this state, or for an insurance company authorized to do business in this state; provided, that the employer or insurer shall furnish to the commissioner a notice, in writing or electronically, promptly after the beginning of any emergency insurance appraisal work. The appraiser may appraise claims within or outside the state. Emergency licenses permitted under this section shall not exceed one hundred twenty (120) days, unless extended by the commissioner.

(c)  As used in this section, “emergency insurance appraisal work” means and includes, but is not limited to, appraisal of motor vehicle damage during the term of an emergency license following an event or catastrophe, as determined by the commissioner, based on consumer need or demand, or a state of disaster declared by the governor of the state of Rhode Island or by the president of the United States under applicable federal law.