Sec. 203.253.  REQUEST FOR BOND ISSUANCE.  (a)  If the commission determines that the issuance of bonds is necessary to reduce or avoid the need to borrow or obtain a federal advance under Section 1201, Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Section 1321), as amended, or any similar federal law, or to refinance a previous loan or advance received by the commission and that bond financing is the most cost-effective method of funding the payment of benefits, the commission may request the authority to issue bonds on its behalf.  Before making a request of the authority under this subsection, the commission must by resolution determine that the issuance of bonds for the purposes established by this section will result in a savings to the state and to employers in this state as compared to the cost of borrowing or obtaining an advance under Section 1201, Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Section 1321), as amended, or any similar federal law.
(b)  The commission shall specify in the commission's request to the authority the maximum principal amount of the bonds, not to exceed $2 billion for any separate bond issue, and the maximum term of the bonds, not to exceed 10 years.
(c)  The principal amount determined by the commission under Subsection (b) may be increased to include an amount sufficient to:
(1)  pay the costs of issuance of the authority;
(2)  provide a bond reserve fund;  and
(3)  capitalize interest for the period determined necessary by the commission, not to exceed two years.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 317, Sec. 5, eff. June 18, 2003;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 817, Sec. 6.05, eff. June 20, 2003.