(a)  The general treasurer is authorized and empowered with the approval of the governor and in accordance with the provisions of this chapter to issue from time to time bonds in the name and behalf of the state and in any amounts as may be specified by the governor in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) for the purposes of being deposited in the account of the department of administration as set forth in § 23-24.5-19, known as the asbestos and dangerous products abatement fund. The bonds shall be in denominations of one thousand dollars ($1,000) each or multiples of that amount and shall be payable in any coin or currency of the United States which, at the time of payment, shall be legal tender for public or private debts. The bonds shall bear any date or dates, mature at any time or times not exceeding twenty (20) years from their date of issue, bear interest payable semiannually at any rate or different varying rates, be payable at any time or times, at any place or places, be subject to any terms of recall or redemption, with or without premium, and be in any form with or without interest coupons attached carrying any registration, conversion, re -conversion, transfer, debt requirements, acceleration, and other provisions as may be fixed by the general treasurer, with the approval of the governor, upon each issue of the bonds at the time of each issue.

(b)  Whenever the governor shall approve the issuance of those bonds he or she shall certify that approval to the secretary of state; the general treasurer shall countersign the bonds and affix the seal of the state. The approval of the governor shall be endorsed on each approved bond with a facsimile of his or her signature.