This subchapter is effective on January 1, 1998. Every person engaged in activities within this State encompassed by this subchapter at the time of the subchapter’s adoption, except those persons already licensed under former section 891 in this State, shall file an application in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter within 3 months after the date this subchapter becomes effective. Those persons already licensed under former section 891 in this State must file an application for a renewal license pursuant to this subchapter within 3 months after the date this subchapter becomes effective. A person is not deemed to be in violation of this subchapter for operating without a license if the person files an application within the 3-month period, until the application is denied. [PL 1997, c. 155, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).]