The proposed bill introduces a new chapter, Chapter 106, titled "Retail Establishments-Vehicle Safety Barriers," to Title 23 of the General Laws concerning health and safety. It mandates that owners of retail establishments install vehicle safety barriers as part of any new construction or renovation that requires a building permit. For existing structures, these barriers must be installed within three years of the chapter's effective date or upon undertaking major exterior renovations requiring a building permit, whichever occurs first. The bill provides specific definitions for terms such as "existing structure," "new construction," "owner," "pedestrian-accessible area," "retail establishments," and "vehicle barrier."

The bill outlines requirements for the installation of vehicle safety barriers, including their location and performance standards to protect customers and employees from potential vehicle collisions. It specifies that barriers must be placed between parking areas, drive aisles, and pedestrian-accessible areas, and details the types of barriers that can be used, such as crash-rated bollards, reinforced planters, and concrete or steel barriers. Additionally, it establishes spacing and placement guidelines for these barriers.

Furthermore, the bill requires insurers to consider the installation of vehicle barriers as a safety measure and may provide discounts on insurance premiums for property owners based on the reduced risk associated with the barriers. It also allows for exemptions for retail establishments that do not have customer-accessible exterior entrances adjacent to vehicle-accessible areas, subject to approval by local building code authorities following a documented safety assessment. The act is set to take effect upon passage.