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

SECTION 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, the Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District shall be exempt from the provisions of sections 20A and 20B of chapter 59 of the General Laws. Except as hereafter provided, said district shall not assess costs, charges and fees on its member cities and towns in any year in an amount that is more than the sum of (a) 102>% of the maximum amount assessable during the previous year, including any increases authorized under this or earlier laws, whether or not actually assessed in such previous year, and (b) any increase in costs, charges or fees for services customarily provided locally, or for services subscribed to at local option. The foregoing limit may be increased above the limitation set forth above with the approval of a two-thirds vote of the regional refuse disposal district committee of said district and, thereafter, approval of the appropriating bodies of its member municipalities.

SECTION 2. Chapter 436 of the acts of 1985 is hereby repealed.

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon its passage.