Full Breakdown
Florida House Blocks DeSantis' AI and Vaccine Bills
4/29/2026, 1:00:52 AM
Core Event
On April 28, 2026, House Speaker Daniel Perez declared that the Florida House would not consider Governor Ron DeSantis’ AI “bill of rights” or the vaccine-exemption bill (SB 1756) during a special session, even though the Senate had already approved both measures.
Background
DeSantis says AI threatens child safety and urges state regulation of “Big Tech.” The AI bill, drafted after a 14-year-old’s suicide in February 2024, would require parental consent, age verification, usage limits and ban harmful content. The vaccine bill expands religious and “conscience” exemptions and permits over-the-counter ivermectin sales.
Timeline
Feb 2024 – 14-year-old dies after chatbot use.
Mar 2025 – DeSantis calls for AI safeguards.
Mar 2026 – Senate passes AI bill 37-1 and vaccine exemption.
Apr 28 2026 – Special session opens; Perez blocks both bills; Senate re-passes AI bill later that day.
Data & Statistics
The Senate passed the AI bill 37-1. An NBC News poll (Mar 2026) found 57 % of voters see AI risks outweighing benefits, especially younger voters and women under 50. SB 1756 adds a “conscience” exemption and allows over-the-counter ivermectin.
Why It Matters
The standoff reveals a split within Florida’s GOP, pits state child-protection goals against a federal AI agenda, and could affect DeSantis’ national profile as he eyes a 2028 presidential run. It also raises free-speech concerns over age-verification rules.
Official Statements & Responses
Perez said no AI or vaccine bills were filed before session and urged reliance on federal AI executive order. The Senate reaffirmed support for AI framework and will advance vaccine exemption. Attorney General James Uthmeier warned AI tools have facilitated violent crimes. Democratic leader Fentrice Driskell noted “mixed messages” but left open possibility of revisiting proposals.
Criticism & Opposition
Senator Erin Grall called the AI bill a “show” and urged deeper tech accountability. FIRE’s John Coleman warned age-verification could chill lawful speech. Free-speech advocates and some public-health experts questioned the expanded vaccine exemptions. Pollster Micah Roberts noted voter anxiety about AI’s impact on jobs, especially among younger voters.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
DeSantis cites a Trump-issued executive order that calls for federal AI regulation, while the White House describes state AI rulebooks as “cumbersome.” No court rulings yet address the AI bill’s free-speech implications, leaving legal outcomes uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “typical political shenanigans.” — Gov. Ron DeSantis
- “ Voters elected Republicans to protect freedom against both the Big Tech cartel and the medical industrial complex.” — Gov. Ron DeSantis
- “The governor is an AI skeptic because chatbots are convincing children to commit suicide,” — Taryn Fenske, political adviser
- “and they’ve told me if it was a person on the other end of that screen, we would be charging them with murder.” — Attorney General James Uthmeier
What’s Next
The House may revisit the proposals if federal AI action stalls, while the Senate is poised to re-pass the vaccine exemption. The ongoing redistricting debate could reshape Florida’s congressional map before the 2028 elections.
