DeSantis Pushes AI Regulations Amid Legislative Hesitation
TALLAHASSEE — The ongoing debate about the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) has intensified in Florida as Governor Ron DeSantis expressed increasing concerns regarding the potential serious harms to humans stemming from the growth of AI technologies. As the Legislature approaches the midpoint of the regular session, progress on the Governor’s proposed regulations remains stagnant.
Legislative Developments
While the Senate has taken steps to advance DeSantis’ proposed “Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights”, efforts in the House have lagged. The Senate is currently considering legislation that aims to create a regulatory framework addressing critical issues such as electricity and water use in massive data centers (SB 484), alongside a public-records exemption for potential large data centers (SB 1118). However, these proposals await final approval in committee before reaching the chamber’s floor.
The House, on the other hand, has yet to propose similar legislation. Speaker Daniel Perez had previously instructed committee leaders to evaluate the “potentially positive and negative impacts” of AI, but the House version of the “AI Bill of Rights” (HB 1395) has been assigned to multiple committees, which historically indicates leadership opposition.
Balancing State and Federal Interests
A significant factor contributing to the House’s delay appears to be the need to balance DeSantis’ proposals with a federal push for national regulations on AI. President Donald Trump has directed the U.S. Department of Justice to form an “AI Litigation Council” that will review state laws that do not align with federal positions. States failing to comply may risk losing federal funding aimed at expanding high-speed internet or face legal challenges.
Speaker Perez has publicly disagreed with DeSantis’ approach, emphasizing that national technology policy should not be dictated at the state level. He acknowledged the importance of discussing AI in relation to national security, indicating that Florida’s legislative measures should align with federal priorities.
Governor’s Roundtable and Concerns
Recently, DeSantis hosted a roundtable discussion on AI at New College of Florida, where he articulated the state’s responsibility to ensure that technology enhances the human experience rather than replacing it. He expressed concerns regarding the use of chatbots to exploit vulnerable individuals and the implications of massive data centers on utility costs and job creation.
“If you’re increasing demand exponentially, you are going to have individuals pay more,” DeSantis stated. He criticized the notion that the growth of AI technologies could lead to higher energy bills solely for the benefit of chatbots that target children.
Proposed Rights and Regulations
The “AI Bill of Rights”, proposed by Senator Tom Leek, aims to establish critical rights for users. Key components of the proposal include:
- Parental control over children’s interactions with AI.
- Transparency regarding whether users are communicating with humans or AI systems.
- Regulations on the unauthorized use of individuals’ names, images, or likenesses.
This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for ethical considerations in the deployment of AI technologies, particularly concerning the protection of vulnerable populations.
As the legislative session progresses, the outcome of these proposals will significantly influence Florida’s approach to AI regulation, balancing technological advancement with ethical implications.
