(a) The State Board of Education and the trustees of all state institutions where education is a part of the program of the institution as referred to in Section 16-3-28, when borrowing money in amounts of not less than $100,000, may agree to pay such rate or rates of interest not to exceed a rate of 15 percent per annum for the loan or forbearance of money as such board of education or trustees may determine, notwithstanding any law of this state otherwise prescribing or limiting such rate or rates of interest.
(b) As to any such agreement, neither such board of education or trustees, nor any surety, guarantor, endorser, or any other person, firm, partnership, association, or corporation which may become liable, in whole or in part, for the payment of the debt and interest agreed to be paid thereon in accordance with the terms hereof, or under any extension, amendment, or renewal thereof, may raise or claim the defense or benefit of the usury laws or any other law prescribing, regulating, or limiting such rate or rates of interest.
(c) The provisions of this section are cumulative and shall be construed in pari materia with other laws prescribing or limiting rates of interest on the loan of money and not in repeal thereof.
Last modified: May 3, 2021