The proposed bill amends Title 23 of the General Laws by adding Chapter 106, titled "Retail Establishments-Vehicle Safety Barriers." This chapter requires owners of retail establishments to install vehicle safety barriers as part of any new construction or renovation that requires a building permit. For existing structures, 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 related to retail establishments, vehicle barriers, and pedestrian-accessible areas.

The bill outlines detailed requirements for the installation of vehicle safety barriers, including their location, types, spacing, and performance standards to protect customers and employees from potential vehicle collisions. The state building code commission is tasked with adopting rules and regulations to implement and enforce the provisions of this chapter within twelve months of its effective date. Non-compliance with the requirements may result in civil penalties not exceeding five thousand dollars per violation and possible suspension of occupancy permits until compliance is achieved.

Additionally, the bill mandates that insurers consider the installation of vehicle barriers as a safety measure and may provide discounts on insurance premiums for property owners, recognizing the reduced risk associated with such installations. Exemptions from the requirements can be requested for retail establishments that do not have customer-accessible exterior entrances adjacent to vehicle-accessible areas, subject to approval by the local building code authority following a documented safety assessment.