(a) The commissioner shall, under regulations and policies adopted by the commissioner, make small business loans to acquire, finance, or refinance or equip businesses, including farming, mining, and fishing, not exceeding $500,000. The loans shall be secured by acceptable collateral and may not exceed 75 percent of the appraised value of the collateral offered as security. The rate of interest may not exceed nine and one-half percent a year on the unpaid balance. For the purposes of this subsection business equipment includes, but is not limited to, fire protection systems approved under AS 18.70.081 and farming equipment.

(b) [Repealed, § 14 ch 122 SLA 1980.]

(c) [Repealed, § 108 ch 59 SLA 1982.]

(d) Money loaned shall be delivered to the borrower as provided in AS 37.25.050, vouchered in the manner prescribed for state disbursing officers, and charged against the small business revolving loan fund. Each voucher shall be approved by the commissioner or a bonded deputy authorized to act as a certifying officer. Upon repayment of loans by installments, or otherwise, in accordance with the prescribed terms, or upon liquidation by foreclosure or other process, or upon receipt of interest, the money so received shall be turned over to the commissioner of revenue for deposit in the small business revolving loan fund.

(e) The commissioner may not disqualify an applicant for, or prejudice an applicant's privilege to receive, a loan to purchase and install a fire protection system solely because of a loan already made to the applicant under AS 45.81.200 - 45.81.290.