Definitions

As used in this Chapter, the following words and terms shall have the meaning hereinafter ascribed to each: (1) "Securities" means bonds, notes, certificates or other written obligations for the repayment of borrowed money, including obligations to refund any of the foregoing. (2) "Public entities" means: (a) state boards, agencies or commissions, parishes, municipalities, parish and municipal school boards and districts, levee boards and districts, port boards and commissions, port, harbor, terminal and industrial districts, drainage and land reclamation districts, all special service districts including, but not limited to, road, water, sewerage, fire protection, recreation, hospital service, gas utility and garbage districts; (b) all other political subdivisions, special authorities, commissions, public trusts and boards heretofore or hereafter created by or pursuant to the constitution or statutes of the state, any laws incorporated into or ratified or confirmed by the constitution, or general or special charters of any parish or municipality; and (c) all other units of local government created by or governed by the governing authorities of parishes or municipalities. (3) "Credit enhancement devices" means municipal bond insurance, bank guarantees, surety bonds, letters of credit, contracts commonly known as interest rate swap agreements, forward payment conversion agreements, futures or contracts providing for payments based on levels of or changes in interest rates, contracts to exchange cash flows or a series of payments or contracts, including without limitation options, puts or calls to hedge payment, rate, spread, or similar exposure and other devices to enhance the credit quality of securities of public entities. (4) "Revenue bonds" shall mean bonds or other debt obligations payable from and secured solely by a pledge of the income and revenues derived or to be derived from fees, rates, rentals, tolls, charges, grants, or other receipts, income or revenues derived from any properties or facilities belonging to a public entity or the use thereof.