Florida House Blocks AI Bill Despite 2 Senate Passes as Republicans Wait for Federal Action
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Jun 2
Florida House Blocks AI Bill Despite 2 Senate Passes as Republicans Wait for Federal Action
1 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Jun 2
Summary
Florida’s GOP-led House again refused to take up a comprehensive AI bill during the special session, leaving a Senate-backed proposal without a committee hearing or floor vote.
Daniel Perez said many House Republicans opposed the measure, and incoming Speaker Sam Garrison said lawmakers chose to let Washington act first before pursuing state rules.
The proposal, backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, would have required chatbot platforms to share minors’ interactions with parents, allow time limits and send alerts about self-harm or violent statements.
Sen. Erin Grall, the lone Republican to vote no, argued the bill was too weak and risked giving parents false confidence that children were protected.
The standoff leaves Florida without broad AI safeguards even after bipartisan Senate support, though House Republicans said the state could revisit regulation if Congress does not act.
As states create a patchwork of AI laws, what are the risks of waiting for a federal solution?
Do AI parental controls offer real protection or just a false and dangerous sense of security for families?
Should AI creators be held liable when their chatbots are used by criminals to plan violent acts?
Florida’s AI Regulation Crisis: 2026 Bill of Rights Blocked Amid State-Federal Power Struggle
Overview
In 2026, Florida’s "AI Bill of Rights" (SB 482) passed the state Senate with strong support but was blocked in the House of Representatives, leading to a legislative stalemate. House Speaker Daniel Perez refused to bring the bill forward, despite pressure from supporters who wanted urgent protections for children against AI harms. This gridlock revealed a sharp political divide, with the Senate and Governor DeSantis pushing for state-level action while House leadership argued that AI regulation should be led by the federal government. As a result, important child safety measures remain on hold in Florida.