(a) For the purpose of effectuating this chapter, the funding board is hereby authorized to issue bonds of the state of Tennessee in amounts and for purposes heretofore or hereafter authorized by the general assembly. Each issue of bonds may be for one (1) or more purposes, irrespective whether the purposes have been provided for by the same legislative enactments, and, unless otherwise provided by law, shall be direct general obligations of the state of Tennessee for the payment of which as to both principal and interest the full faith and credit of the state is irrevocably pledged, and shall be further secured by the pledge of special revenues pursuant to this chapter.

(b) The bonds shall be dated, shall bear interest at such rate or rates payable at such time or times and at such place or places, shall mature at such time or times, and shall be payable in such medium of payment, as may be determined by the board.

(c) The bonds may be made redeemable before maturity at the option of the board at such price or prices and under such terms and conditions as may be fixed by the board prior to the issuance of the bonds.

(d) The board shall determine the form of the bonds, including the form of interest coupons to be attached thereto, and the manner of execution or authentication of the bonds and coupons, and shall fix the denomination or denominations of the bonds and the place or places of payment of the principal and interest, which may be at any bank or trust company within or without the state.

(e) The bonds may be issued in coupon or registered form, or both, as the board may determine, and provision may be made for the registration of coupon bonds as to principal only or also as to both principal and interest, and for the exchange and interchange of registered and coupon bonds.

(f) In case any member or officer of the board whose signature or facsimile signature thereof shall appear on the bonds or coupons shall cease to be a member or officer of the board before the delivery thereof, such signature or facsimile signature nevertheless shall be valid and sufficient for all purposes, the same as if such person had remained a member or officer of the board until after such delivery.

(g) With respect to all or any portion of any issue of bonds issued hereunder, the funding board may authorize and enter into interest rate swap or exchange agreements, agreements establishing interest rate floors or ceilings or both, and other interest rate hedging agreements under such terms and agreements as the funding board may determine, including, without limitation, provisions permitting the funding board to pay to or receive from any person or entity any loss of benefits under such agreement upon early termination thereof or default under such agreement.

(h) When entering into any contracts or agreements facilitating the issuance and sale of bonds, including contracts or agreements providing for liquidity and credit enhancement and reimbursement agreements relating thereto, interest rate swap or exchange agreements, agreements establishing interest rate floors or ceilings or both, other interest rate hedging agreements, and agreements with the purchaser of the bonds authorized under this section evidencing a transaction bearing a reasonable relationship to this state and also to another state or nation, the state funding board may agree in the written contract or agreement that the rights and remedies of the parties thereto shall be governed by the laws of this state or the laws of such other state or nation; provided, that jurisdiction over the state funding board against which an action on such a contract or agreement is brought shall lie solely in a court in Tennessee which would otherwise have jurisdiction of actions brought in contract against the board.