This bill, known as "The Charlotte A. Vacca Act," would require commercial property owners in Rhode Island to install vehicle barriers at their retail establishment locations as part of any new construction or renovations. The bill defines "owner" as the proprietor, operator, lessor, or sublessor of commercial real estate used by a retail establishment, and "retail establishments" as sales outlets, stores, shops, or other places of business primarily selling goods or food. The bill also defines "vehicle barrier" as a safety device that meets the vehicle impact protection standards established by the Rhode Island building code commission and is installed to protect people and buildings from collisions by motor vehicles.

Additionally, the bill requires insurers to consider the installation of vehicle barriers as a safety measure and provide or offer a discount on the owner's insurance covering damage or loss to the commercial real estate or liability arising from the ownership, maintenance, or use of the property. Any discounts provided must be actuarially sound and approved by the insurance commissioner before being utilized by insurers. The bill would take effect upon passage.