HB336 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

April WeaverSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Eyeglasses, over-the-counter eyeglasses, nonprescription glasses further defined, sale regulated, enforcement

Summary

HB336 defines what counts as over-the-counter glasses and sets rules for lens specs and enforcement to prevent nonconforming sales.

What This Bill Does

It defines over-the-counter spectacles as nonprescription, ready-to-wear glasses with spherical convex lenses, uniform in each meridian, in eyeglass frames, and intended to help presbyopia. Lenses may not have minus power and may not exceed +3.00 diopters. Sale of OTC spectacles that do not conform to this definition would be unlawful. It provides for civil enforcement by the Board of Optometry, a district attorney, or the Attorney General, with the act taking effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval (or when it becomes law).

Who It Affects

• Consumers who purchase OTC spectacles, who would be protected by standardized definitions and a limited lens power range.
• Retailers and sellers of OTC spectacles, who must ensure their products meet the defined specifications or face enforcement.

Key Provisions

• Definition of over-the-counter spectacles: nonprescription, ready-to-wear magnifying spectacles with spherical convex lenses, uniform in each meridian, encased in eyeglass frames, intended to ameliorate presbyopia.
• Lenses must not have minus power (-) and may not exceed plus diopter strength of +3.00 (diopters).
• Sale of OTC spectacles that do not conform to the definition is unlawful.
• Civil enforcement may be carried out by the Board of Optometry, a district attorney, or the Attorney General.
• Effective date: the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and governor approval (or when it becomes law).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Health