Whereas , The deferred operation of this act would tend to defeat its purpose, which is to authorize forthwith a judicial leave of absence, 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 section 17 of chapter 211A of the General Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, the period during which Justice Phillip Rapoza, associate justice of the appeals court, may take a leave of absence to serve as a judge on the special panels for serious crimes in East Timor, established pursuant to regulations authorized by special resolution of the United Nations Security Council, is hereby extended until August 31, 2005. All other provisions and requirements of said section 17 shall apply to such leave of absence.