A bill written by two local legislators has been signed into law by Governor Tony Evers.
The Eyeglasses Bill was co-authored by 25th Assembly District Representative Paul Tittl and 1st District State Senator Andre Jacque.
The law has created an exemption from liability for organizations that distribute glasses to the less fortunate, with a few criteria.
The recipient of the eyeglasses must be at least 14 years old, the eyeglasses must be provided free of charge by the nonprofit organization, and the optometrist or ophthalmologist working for the nonprofit organization is required to have either examined the recipient or have personally consulted with the recipient’s Optometrist.
Sen. Jacque explained that this bill is important because, “For the poor, eyeglasses can often be inaccessible, unaffordable or both, causing both social and economic challenges to learning, public safety, and work opportunities.”
Rep. Tittl was also excited, as he explained, “More than four years ago, the eyeglass recycling manager for the Wisconsin Lions Foundation told me of the eyeglass liability problem and wondered if I would work to get the law changed…I was very happy to watch [Governor Evers] sign it today.”
