Rhode Island House Bill H5329

Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/23
• Refer: 2/3/23

Caption

Vehicle Barriers

Impact

The implementation of H5329 will necessitate changes to existing practices among commercial property owners. They will be mandated to incorporate vehicle barriers into their design plans whenever they engage in construction or renovations. This legislation is poised to enhance safety standards across the state and may lead to increased compliance costs for businesses. However, it is expected that the long-term safety benefits will outweigh these initial costs.

Summary

House Bill 5329 addresses public safety by mandating the installation of vehicle barriers at commercial properties during construction or renovation activities. This bill is particularly aimed at retail establishments, which includes any sales outlets or stores primarily engaged in selling goods or food. By requiring such safety measures, the bill seeks to prevent potential accidents where motor vehicles could collide with buildings, thereby offering a means of protecting individuals both inside and near these commercial spaces.

Contention

While the bill has been generally supported for its emphasis on public safety, there may be points of contention regarding its impact on small business owners, who might view the added regulation as a financial burden. Some discussions could arise about the effectiveness of vehicle barriers and whether they genuinely improve safety or if alternative solutions should be considered. Additionally, the provision allowing insurers to offer discounts for having these barriers may create debates on the adequacy of risk assessments in determining insurance policies.