Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H5591

Introduced
2/26/25  

Caption

Requires commercial property owners to install vehicle barriers at their retail establishment locations when new construction are being done and permits insurers to consider the installation to provide a discount on the owner's insurance policy.

Impact

Upon enactment, H5591 would directly influence Rhode Island's health and safety regulations by introducing specific requirements for commercial real estate developers. The bill stipulates that owners must not only install barriers for new constructions but is also encouraging additional installations at existing retail sites. As a result, this could lead to significant changes in the state’s building codes, enhancing safety standards across various commercial properties.

Summary

House Bill 5591, known as 'The Charlotte A. Vacca Act', mandates that commercial property owners install vehicle barriers at retail establishment locations as part of any new construction efforts. The objective of this bill is to enhance pedestrian and occupant safety at sites where vehicles frequently interact with buildings, thereby minimizing the risk of accidents caused by motor vehicles colliding with retail spaces. The inclusion of these barriers is viewed as a proactive safety measure to protect lives and property.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding H5591 may arise regarding the financial implications for property owners. While the bill offers potential insurance discounts for those complying with the vehicle barrier installation, there could be debates on the costs associated with these installations and whether the incentives are sufficient to encourage compliance among developers. Additionally, discussions may focus on the balance between mandated safety measures and the economic burden they could impose on small business owners.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S2276

Requires commercial property owners to install vehicle barriers at their retail establishment locations when construction/renovations are being done and permits insurers to consider the installation to provide a discount on the owner's insurance policy.

RI H7084

Requires commercial property owners to install vehicle barriers at their retail establishment locations when construction/renovations are being done and permits insurers to consider the installation to provide a discount on the owner's insurance policy.

RI H5329

Vehicle Barriers

RI H7016

Forbids a motor vehicle liability insurance carrier from considering the zip code of where an insured lives for purposes of calculating their policy premium.

RI S2646

Requires associations to provide unit owners with thirty (30) days notice of any increase in the deductible application to the association's policy ensuring that unit owners will have coverage relating to their responsibility.

RI H7866

Requires associations to provide unit owners with thirty (30) days notice of any increase in the deductible application to the association’s policy ensuring that unit owners will have coverage relating to their responsibility.

RI H7618

Creates a new motor vehicle registration for "forestry vehicles" also provides that forest product operations are permitted uses within all zoning districts of a municipality except where prohibited.

RI S2090

Requires radon testing within one year of any residential real estate transaction and the installation of a radon mitigation system if unsafe radon levels are present, at the seller's expense.

RI H8335

Requires radon testing within one year of any residential real estate transaction and the installation of a radon mitigation system if unsafe radon levels are present, at the seller's expense.

RI S2027

Allows an owner or owners of real property to execute a deed that names one or more beneficiaries who will obtain title to the property at the owner's death without the necessity of probate.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.