Approval process for local governments issuing heightened risk debt

Tenn. Code Ann. § 9-21-409, under General Provisions Governing the Issuance of All Notes by Local Governments.

Tenn. Code Ann. § 9-21-409

(a) As used in this section:(1) “Heightened risk debt” means any debt obligation containing:(A) A variable interest rate or rates;(B) An interest rate reset provision, where the interest rate can be changed at certain intervals during the life of the debt; or(C) A put option, where the holder of the debt has the ability to force repayment before the final maturity date of the debt; and(2) “Local government” means any incorporated city or town; metropolitan government; county; water, wastewater, or energy authority; or utility district.

(1) “Heightened risk debt” means any debt obligation containing:(A) A variable interest rate or rates;(B) An interest rate reset provision, where the interest rate can be changed at certain intervals during the life of the debt; or(C) A put option, where the holder of the debt has the ability to force repayment before the final maturity date of the debt; and

(A) A variable interest rate or rates;

(B) An interest rate reset provision, where the interest rate can be changed at certain intervals during the life of the debt; or

(C) A put option, where the holder of the debt has the ability to force repayment before the final maturity date of the debt; and

(2) “Local government” means any incorporated city or town; metropolitan government; county; water, wastewater, or energy authority; or utility district.

(b) Prior to issuing any heightened risk debt, a local government shall submit a request to the comptroller of the treasury or the comptroller's designee for approval. The comptroller or the comptroller's designee may request any additional information as may be required to properly review the request. The comptroller or the comptroller's designee shall evaluate each request based on the local government's particular circumstances and shall approve the request only if a determination is made that the debt terms are in the public's interest.

(c) The comptroller of the treasury or the comptroller's designee shall report the comptroller's approval or disapproval of the request to the governing body of the local government within fifteen (15) business days after receipt of the request and all requested supplemental documentation. After receiving the approval of the comptroller or the comptroller's designee of the request or after the expiration of fifteen (15) business days from the date the request and all supplemental documentation are received by the comptroller or the comptroller's designee and no disapproval having been reported by the comptroller or the comptroller's designee, whichever date is earlier, the local government may take such action with reference to the proposed request as it deems advisable in accordance with this section.

(d) This section does not apply to loans or interim certificates with or purchased by either this state or a department or agency of the federal government.