(a)  When request shall be made of the governor by the retirement board or by the legislative body of any city, town, or agency that a referendum be held pursuant to § 36-7-10 — § 36-7-21, the governor shall immediately appoint a commission consisting of seven (7) members who shall conduct the referendum pursuant to the provisions of § 36-7-10 — § 36-7-21 and of § 218(d) of the federal Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 418(d), as amended, and the commission is hereby empowered to adopt such rules and regulations for conducting the election including the notice and manner thereof as shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter and of the federal Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 301 et seq.

(b)  It shall be the duty of the commission to study, evaluate, and recommend a plan for the inclusion of those members under the federal Social Security Act, to formulate the question to be voted upon in the referendum, and to carry out the purposes of § 36-7-10 — § 36-7-21.

(c)  The members of the commission shall receive no compensation for their services but are authorized to contract for secretarial and actuarial services and to incur travel and other necessary expenses.