Whereas , The deferred operation of this act would tend to defeat its purpose, which is forthwith to extend the enrollment period for the early retirement incentive program, therefore it is hereby declared to be an emergency law, necessary for the immediate preservation of the public convenience.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

The first sentence of the first paragraph of subsection (b) of section 616 of chapter 26 of the acts of 2003 is hereby amended by striking out the words "September 1, 2003" and inserting in place thereof the following words:- September 8, 2003.