Bill > S0014

This bill, named the Charlotte A. Vacca Act, requires commercial property owners to install vehicle barriers during new construction of retail establishments, with the aim of protecting people and pedestrians from potential vehicle collisions. The bill defines key terms such as "owner" (including proprietors and lessors of commercial real estate), "retail establishments" (sales outlets selling goods or food), and "vehicle barriers" (safety devices meeting Rhode Island building code impact protection standards). Property owners must install these barriers during new construction and are encouraged to do so at existing locations. Additionally, the bill mandates that insurance companies consider vehicle barriers as a safety measure and offer a discount on insurance policies for commercial properties that install them, with such discounts subject to review and approval by the insurance commissioner. The vehicle barriers are intended to reduce the risk of injury to people within or near retail establishments by preventing motor vehicles from colliding with buildings. The legislation will take effect immediately upon passage.

Business and Industry

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