Requires commercial property owners to install vehicle barriers at their retail establishment locations as part of any new construction.

The Charlotte A. Vacca Act: Vehicle Barriers at Retail Stores

This bill would require owners of commercial properties to install physical vehicle barriers — such as bollards, concrete barriers, or similar protective structures — at retail locations whenever new construction takes place. The goal is to prevent vehicles from accidentally or intentionally driving into storefronts, protecting the people inside and outside of businesses. The bill is named after Charlotte A. Vacca, likely in memory of someone affected by this type of incident.

The requirement would apply to commercial property owners undertaking new construction at retail establishments. This means that if a business builds a new store or undergoes qualifying new construction, installing vehicle barriers would become a legal requirement rather than an optional safety measure. Existing buildings that are not undergoing new construction would not be immediately affected by this rule.

This bill would primarily affect commercial developers, property owners, and retail businesses involved in new building projects in Rhode Island. Shoppers and employees at retail locations could benefit from increased physical protection. Businesses and developers, however, may face additional construction costs to meet the new safety requirements.

Currently, the bill has been referred to the House Corporations Committee and has been recommended to be held for further study, meaning lawmakers are still reviewing it and it has not yet moved forward toward a vote. A hearing has been scheduled for April 2, 2026.