The proposed "Rhode Island Pedestrian Safety Act" establishes a new chapter in Title 31 of the General Laws, allowing cities and towns to implement automated road safety monitoring systems aimed at improving traffic safety. These systems will detect specific violations, including stopping at stop signs, stopping at intersections or crosswalks, and failing to yield to pedestrians, particularly in designated high-risk areas such as school zones, hospital zones, and work zones. A civil fine of $50 will be imposed on the registered owners of vehicles committing these infractions.

The bill permits municipalities to contract with third parties for the administration of these systems and requires the installation of signage to notify the public of their use. It also mandates a public awareness campaign prior to the activation of the systems.

Provisions for handling violations include the option for municipalities to issue written warnings for educational purposes before imposing fines, and a rebuttable presumption that the registered owner was driving at the time of the violation. The act outlines the required information for notices of violation, including photographic evidence and instructions for contesting the violation.

Annual reporting on the effectiveness of the monitoring systems is required, detailing locations, the number of fines and warnings issued, and crash data. The act emphasizes the protection of personal data, stipulating that photographs and other recorded evidence must be destroyed within 48 hours after the resolution of a violation and cannot be used for surveillance purposes. Additionally, such photographs and personal identifying information will not be classified as public records. Revenue generated from fines must be directed towards road safety projects aimed at reducing injuries and fatalities among vulnerable road users. The act will take effect upon its passage.