SECTION 1.

      Chapter 37 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting at the end the following new section:-

      Section 27. The sheriffs may appoint suitable persons to serve as executive director and assistant executive director to the Massachusetts Sheriff's Association for the coordination and standardization of services and programs, the collection and analysis of data related to incarceration and recidivism and the generation of reports, technical assistance and training to ensure consistency in organization, operations and procedures. Said executive director and assistant executive director shall not be subject to the provisions of section forty-five of chapter thirty of the Massachusetts General Laws or the provisions of chapter thirty-one and shall serve at the will and pleasure of a majority of the sheriffs.

     The executive director may expend such funds as are appropriated therefore, together with additional funds from federal grants and other contributions that may be made available for these purposes. The executive director is authorized to enter into service agreements with the sheriffs to provide training and other coordinated efforts to advance opportunities for collaboration. The executive director may also hire other positions as shall be authorized by the sheriffs. The executive director and assistant executive director shall devote their time during ordinary business hours to their duties.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon its passage