Sec. 8. (a) Bonds shall not be issued under this chapter unless these bonds are rated “A” or better by one (1) of the nationally recognized rating agencies or unless these bonds are sold in a transaction not involving any public offering within the meaning of Section 4(2) of the federal Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and rules and regulations adopted under the federal Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

     (b) The exercise of any or all powers or the issue of bonds under this chapter shall be authorized by ordinance of the governing body. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, this ordinance may be adopted at the same meeting at which it is introduced and it shall take effect immediately upon adoption. Any ordinance authorizing bonds shall be adopted only after the governing body has held a public hearing on the proposed financing after giving not less than five (5) days notice by publication in at least one (1) newspaper of general circulation in the county or municipality. This ordinance shall also set forth a legislative finding and declaration of the public purpose of the bond issue and that the ordinance is being enacted pursuant to the powers granted by this chapter. No action to contest the validity of any bonds may commence more than thirty (30) days following the adoption of the ordinance approving the bonds. However, if authorized by ordinance, any officer of the county or municipality may bring an action under IC 34-13-5 or file a petition under IC 36-4-4-5 within this thirty (30) day period to determine the validity of any bonds or any agreements in connection with them. In this proceeding, no bond need be filed by the petitioner or plaintiff unless requested by the county or municipality, and any judgment shall be final unless appealed within thirty (30) days after entry of the judgment.

     (c) The bonds shall bear interest at the rate or rates, may be payable at the times, may be in one (1) or more series, may bear the date or dates, may mature at the time or times not exceeding forty (40) years from their respective dates, may be payable in the medium of payment at the place or places, may carry the registration privileges, may be subject to the terms of redemption at the premiums, may be executed in the manner, may contain the terms, covenants, and conditions, may be in the form either coupon or registered, and may bear the name that the ordinance or trust indenture securing the bonds provides. The bonds may be sold at public or private sale in a manner and upon the terms provided in the ordinance. Pending the preparation of definitive bonds, interim receipts, or certificates in the form and with the provisions as provided in the ordinance may be issued to the purchaser of bonds sold pursuant to this chapter.

     (d) The bonds and interim receipts or certificates are negotiable instruments under the laws of this state. Bonds and receipts and the authorization, issuance, sale, and delivery thereof are not subject to any general law concerning bonds of municipalities.

As added by Acts 1979, P.L.47, SEC.1. Amended by Acts 1981, P.L.62, SEC.7; P.L.3-1990, SEC.22; P.L.1-1998, SEC.76; P.L.136-2018, SEC.38.