(1) Any existing industry trade organization which is fairly representative of the propane industry in Kentucky, such as the Kentucky Propane Gas Association, may at any time after July 15, 1998, make application to the commissioner on forms prescribed by the department for certification and approval for the purpose of conducting a referendum among producers, suppliers, and retail marketers upon the question of levying an assessment under the provisions of KRS 234.270 to 234.302 and collecting and utilizing the assessment for the purpose stated in the referendum. The application forms shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(a) Applicant's name;
(b) Applicant's address;
(c) Date;
(d) Program to be undertaken;
(e) Brief statement of how the program is to be implemented;
(f) Referendum to be conducted on a statewide basis;
(g) Proposed effective date of the program; and (h) Signature of the applicant.
(2) Upon receipt of the application, the commissioner shall publish the application through the medium of the public press in the state within ten (10) days of receipt.