(a) “Variable rate bonds” shall mean state-supported debt which bears interest at a rate or rates which vary from time to time and shall include variable rate refunding bonds.

(b) “Interest rate exchange or similar agreement” shall mean a written contract entered into by the state with a counterparty in connection with state-supported debt to provide for an exchange of payments based upon fixed and/or variable rates, shall include interest rates, caps, collars, floors and similar agreements and options on each of the foregoing, and shall be for exchanges in currency of the United States of America only with such terms determined by the commission to be in the financial best interest of the state.

(c) “State-supported debt” shall mean any bonds or notes, including bonds or notes issued to fund reserve funds and costs of issuance and refunding bonds or refunding notes, currently outstanding or authorized to be issued by the state for which the state is or will be constitutionally obligated to pay debt service or is or will be contractually obligated to pay debt service subject to an appropriation; however, this definition shall not apply to debt issued by the Mississippi Development Bank or similar state agencies or authorities.

(d) “Counterparty” shall mean the provider of or other party to an interest rate exchange or similar agreement.

(e) “State” shall mean the State of Mississippi.

(f) “Commission” shall mean the State Bond Commission of the state.

(g) “Variable rate debt instruments” shall mean variable rate bonds, variable rate refunding bonds and interest rate exchange or similar agreements which result in the state effectively paying interest at a rate or rates which vary from time to time.

(h) “Excluded agreements” shall mean the total notional amount of interest rate exchange or similar agreements entered into for the purpose of reducing, reversing or unwinding another interest rate exchange or similar agreement or eliminating a situation of risk or exposure under an existing interest rate exchange or similar agreement, including, but not limited to, a counterparty downgrade, default, or other actual or potential economic loss.