Notwithstanding any contrary provision of the law, if the commissioner determines by order that it is in the public interest, the commissioner may authorize electronic filing of certain information with the department in a format prescribed by the department as an additional means of filing under this title. If the commissioner authorizes electronic filing, the department shall consider the electronic filing as equivalent to paper filing for purposes of compliance with other requirements of this title. Electronic filings authorized under this section are equivalent to paper filings for the purposes of civil or criminal penalties for violations of this title or AS 11.