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 division of medical assistance may expend an amount not to exceed $40,000 for cost containment purposes; provided, however, that the purpose and amount of the expenditures have been transmitted to the house and senate committees on ways and means; and provided, further, that the expenditures shall be made pursuant to funds authorized by section 1 of chapter 43 of the acts of 1999, and shall be charged to item 4000-0300 upon the enactment of the general appropriation act for fiscal year 2000.

SECTION 2. Section 1 is hereby repealed.

SECTION 3. Section 2 of this act shall take effect on October 31, 1999. The remainder of this act shall take effect as of August 19, 1999.