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 section 9 of chapter 32 of the General Laws, the accidental death benefit payable to Patricia Perry, widow of Billy M. Perry, by the Methuen retirement board shall be set at an annual amount of $26,979.84, retroactive to the date of January 21, 1996. The remaining provisions of said section 9 of said chapter 32, excepting as otherwise specifically stated herein, shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon its passage.