The commission may commence proceedings in the circuit court in the county relating to a knowing violation or threatened knowing violation of subsection (a) of Section 8-19C-2 or Section 8-19C-5. Proceedings which the commission may commence, include, without limitation, issuance of a cease and desist order or issuance of an order imposing a civil penalty up to a maximum of two thousand dollars ($ 2,000) for each violation. The proceedings shall be brought in the name of the state. The commission may issue investigative demands, issue subpoenas, administer oaths, and conduct hearings in the course of investigating a violation of subsection (a) of Section 8-19C-2 or Section 8-19C-5.