Madison, WI – Today, State Representative Paul Tittl (R-Manitowoc) attended the governor’s signing of his bill related to liability arising from the use of previously owned eyeglasses.
This bill creates an exemption from liability under certain circumstances for nonprofit organizations such as the Lion’s Club regarding distribution of previously owned eyeglasses. Currently, nonprofits are held liable for any harm caused to users by eyeglasses processed in their facilities.
“The Lion’s Club ships over 450,000 pairs of glasses annually to developing countries,” according to Rep. Tittl. “However, people in Wisconsin are unable to access the same service because of possible lawsuits.”
“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,” said Tittl. “The bill did not make it to the governor’s desk last session, but I was very happy to watch him sign it today.”
“These are wonderful glasses,” said Rep. Tittl, “and they are not redistributed without the professional assistance of an optometrist or ophthalmologist.”
“We often take our eyesight for granted,” remarked Rep. Tittl, and “I’m so pleased this bill will help people to be able to see clearly again.”
Rep. Tittl authored the assembly version (Assembly Bill 538). Sen. Jacque authored the senate version of the bill (Senate Bill 535). Alaska, Arizona, and Oregon have passed similar legislation limiting liability.
