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HR 8516

HOUSE RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF MAY 2026 AS “EYEGLASS RECYCLING MONTH” IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Edith Ajello and 9 co-sponsors

Designates May 2026 as Eyeglass Recycling Month in Rhode Island to raise awareness and encourage donations of used eyeglasses for recycling and charitable distribution.

05/05/2026 House read and passed
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 8516

Summary: HR 8516 – Designating May 2026 as “Eyeglass Recycling Month” in Rhode Island

1) Purpose and intent

  • The bill designates the month of May 2026 as “Eyeglass Recycling Month” in the State of Rhode Island.
  • The aim is to raise awareness about vision health, environmental responsibility, and charitable service, and to encourage Rhode Island residents to participate in eyeglass donation efforts.

2) Key provisions and changes

  • Official designation: May 2026 is declared Eyeglass Recycling Month by the Rhode Island House of Representatives.
  • Encouragement of participation: The resolution requests residents to donate used eyeglasses and engage in community collection efforts.
  • Promotion of organizations: It highlights the Rhode Island Lions Sight Foundation and Lions Clubs International as key actors in eyeglass collection and recycling.
  • Certification and outreach: The Secretary of State is authorized to transmit certified copies of the resolution to the Rhode Island Lions Sight Foundation and Lions Clubs International.

3) Affected entities and beneficiaries

  • Primary beneficiaries: Rhode Island Lions Sight Foundation and Lions Clubs International, and the communities they serve.
  • Beneficiaries within Rhode Island: Uninsured or underserved individuals who gain access to eyeglasses through the Foundation’s programs, including vision screenings, eye examinations, and recycled eyeglasses.
  • General public: Awareness-raising may lead to increased eyeglass donations, reducing local waste and supporting charitable vision care initiatives.

4) Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: The resolution was introduced and scheduled for consideration in the January 2026 session and passed the House on May 5, 2026.
  • Nature of instrument: A one-time, symbolic designation rather than creating new law or funding.
  • Implementation steps: No new programs or funding are mandated; the Resolution directs awareness and participation efforts and authorizes the Secretary of State to transmit copies to involved organizations.

5) Context and background (as described in the bill)

  • The Rhode Island Lions Sight Foundation, established in 1961, provides:
    • Vision screenings, eyeglasses, medical support, adaptive equipment, and rehabilitative services.
    • Programs for visually impaired individuals, including Camp Mauchatea, hunting, fishing, golf, and other recreational/educational activities.
    • A network for collecting used eyeglasses through partnerships with Lions Clubs, eye care providers, and community sites.
    • Participation in the global “Recycle for Sight” initiative to reuse and recycle eyewear for underserved populations worldwide.
  • The bill emphasizes environmental responsibility (recycling waste) and humanitarian aid by enabling reuse of usable eyewear.

If you’d like, I can provide a concise one-paragraph brief for quick briefing notes or a longer explainer with potential questions from the public.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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