(a) A domestic title insurer may invest in title plants. For determination of the financial condition of such a title insurer, title plants will be treated as an asset valued at actual cost to the title insurer, not to exceed fifty per cent of the surplus as regards to its policyholders as shown on the most recent annual statement of the title insurer.

(b) Any investment of a domestic title insurer acquired before October 1, 1990, and which, under this section, would be considered ineligible as an investment on that date shall be disposed of within two years of October 1, 1990. The commissioner, upon application and proof that forced sale of any such investment would be contrary to the best interests of the title insurer or its policyholders, may extend the period for disposal of the investment for a reasonable time.