Whereas , The deferred operation of this act would tend to defeat its purpose, which is to extend by 1-year the service of the current Adjutant General to assure continuity of leadership of our National Guard while our troops return home from their service to our country, 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:

Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of section 15 and section 31 of chapter 33 of the General Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, George W. Keefe may continue to serve as Adjutant General until April 24, 2005, unless otherwise removed at the pleasure of the governor before that date.