Section 1

Notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter 32B and Chapter 150E of the General Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, the town of Topsfield is authorized at the discretion of the board of selectmen, without bargaining under said chapters 150E or 32B concerning the decision or the impact thereof, to: negotiate and purchase group insurance policies for employees, retirees an their dependents; alter current and future group insurance plan design features including but not limited to co-payments, deductibles, and tiered provider network co-payments; and participate in or join a state program providing group insurance policies including those provided by the Group Insurance Commission ('GIC') or another similar program without being subject to collective bargaining as defined in chapter 150E.

Section 2

The provisions of this act shall not affect the town's obligations under any collective bargaining agreements(s) between the town and any unions in effect of the effective date of this act during the respective current terms of any such collective bargaining agreements, while such agreements are in effect.

Section 3

This action shall take effect upon its passage.