Section 1. Section 12 of chapter 503 of the acts of 1952, as most recently amended by chapter 122 of the acts of 1967, is hereby amended by striking out subsection (b) and inserting in place thereof the following subsection:

(b) When a vacancy occurs in the office of town manager for any reason other than for expiration of their term, the select board shall appoint, as soon as possible, a qualified officer of the town as interim town manager to fulfill all the duties set forth in this act until a permanent successor may be appointed; provided, however, that a permanent town manager shall be appointed not later than 180 days after such vacancy occurs. A permanent successor town manager shall be appointed within 180 days for a period no longer than the balance of the unexpired term; provided, however that a permanent successor town manager may enter into

a new 3 year contract with the town at the board’s discretion. Such appointment shall, in so far as practicable, be subject to the same conditions and qualifications for the office of town manager as set forth in section 11; provided, that, if it is not practicable to make a permanent appointment within 180 days, the select board shall so appoint a qualified officer of the town as acting manager for the balance of the unexpired term for a period of not more than 1 year.

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