The state fire marshal is authorized and empowered as a prerequisite to a license or permit to require the applicant for such license or permit to furnish insurance, surety bond, or a personal bond with security in such amounts and terms as the state fire marshal may deem advisable and expedient for the protection of the general public and to indemnify for losses and damages which proximately result from any act of negligence of the principal, his agents, or employees while he or they may be engaged in the performance of duties with reference to the liquefied petroleum business. The state fire marshal is also authorized to adopt and enforce reasonable rules and regulations governing such insurance and bonds. Such regulations shall be adopted by the state fire marshal only after a public hearing thereon.