Senator Therriault’s bill allows Lions Club and other Non-profits to Provide Alaskan’s with Used Glasses  - SB 149 Passes Legislature

Juneau – Today the Alaska State Legislature passed a bill that would enable the Lions Club or other non profit organizations to provide Alaskans in need with second hand glasses.  Sen. Gene Therriault, R – North Pole, introduced the legislation at the request of the Lions Club of Alaska.

“This new law allows an important need to be met.”  Therriault explained.  “The Lions Club devotes a tremendous amount of volunteer time and resources to gathering, repairing and providing used eye glasses to people in third world countries;  this new law allows them to continue their good work to serve those in need right here in Alaska.”

Under the new law, a non-profit can apply to be certified by the state to safely fit any Alaskan, free of charge, with a set of used glasses.  To be fit for glasses, the Alaskan must present a prescription obtained from a licensed optometrist or physician.  The glasses provided will conform, to the greatest extent possible, to that prescription.

“Representative John Coghill, R – North Pole, carried the bill on the House floor and I want to thank him for helping to secure its passage.” Therriault said.

Also speaking in favor of the bill was Rep. Bill Stoltze, R – Chugiak/Matsu, a Lions Club member, charter member of the Chugiak Lions Club, and 2007 recipient of the Chugiak Lions Club member of the year award.  Rep. Stoltze complimented the Lions Club on their mission to help Alaskan citizens to achieve better vision and voiced his support for SB 149 which would assist in that important mission.

The legislation passed both the House and Senate unanimously showing broad bipartisan support.