Continuity of political subdivisions

§ 29-a. Continuity of political subdivisions. In conformity with the plan, regulations or orders of the commission, every county, except those contained within the city of New York, every city, every town and every village shall have power to provide by local law, and every other political subdivision shall have power to provide by resolution, for its continuity and that of its elective and appointive officers, including members of its legislative or governing body, where, as a result of an attack, any of such officers is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office or is absent from the political subdivision. In any such local law or resolution, provision may be made that the removal of a disability or the termination of an absence from the political subdivision of an officer higher on a list or order of succession to an office shall not terminate the service in such office of an individual lower on such list or order of succession who is temporarily filling such office. Notwithstanding the provisions of any law, a local law or resolution adopted pursuant to this section may be made effective without approval at a mandatory or permissive referendum but in no case shall such local law or resolution become effective until one certified copy thereof has been filed with the clerk of the political subdivision or other appropriate official designated for such purpose by the respective legislative or governing body, one certified copy thereof has been filed in the office of the state comptroller and three certified copies thereof have been filed in the office of the secretary of state. No provision of this section shall be construed or interpreted as affecting the validity of any ordinance enacted prior to July first, nineteen hundred sixty-six, or actions taken thereunder by the government of any county, city, town or village.