Full Breakdown
Florida House Blocks DeSantis' AI and Vaccine Bills, Deepening GOP Rift
4/29/2026, 8:37:18 AM
House Blocks DeSantis' AI and Vaccine Bills
On April 28, 2026, House Speaker Daniel Perez announced the Florida House would not consider Governor Ron DeSantis’ two priority bills—a vaccine-exemption measure (SB 1756) and an “AI Bill of Rights” for minors—ending the special session’s agenda on those issues.
Background and Key Players
DeSantis framed AI oversight and vaccine exemptions, saying AI chatbots threaten children and vaccine mandates “medical industrial complex.” Senate approved (AI 37-1, vaccine 23-15). House Speaker Perez, Republican aligned with Trump’s AI stance, rejected.
Timeline
April 15, 2026 – DeSantis calls a session on redistricting, AI and vaccines. April 28, 2026 – Perez says House will not consider AI or vaccine bills; Senate passes AI bill 37-1; DeSantis denounces House.
Data Snapshot
The Senate approved both bills (AI 37-1, vaccine 23-15). The House has 85 Republicans, 34 Democrats and one vacancy. A March 2026 NBC poll showed 57 % of voters view AI risks as outweighing benefits.
Impact
The clash reveals a rare GOP rift, limiting DeSantis’ AI-skeptic and medical-freedom agenda. It underscores the national debate over state versus federal AI regulation and raises public-health concerns about loosening school vaccine requirements.
Official Statements & Responses
DeSantis wrote, “Voters elected Republicans to protect freedom against Big Tech cartel and medical industrial complex.” Perez said venue for AI. Senate called it bipartisan. Uthmeier noted AI platforms advised children on harm and crime.
Criticism & Opposition
Senate Republican Erin Grall said the AI bill weakens protections and urged tech accountability. Rep. Anna Eskamani warned delays due to tech influence. Vaccine exemptions could expose schools to measles, polio and chickenpox.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Senate’s 37-1 AI approval conflicts with House’s refusal to consider a version, leaving proposal without path; no bill existed for session, exposing a gap between Senate support and House action.
Verbatim Quotes
- “voters elected Republicans to protect freedom against both the Big Tech cartel and the medical industrial complex.” — Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida
- “I understand the governor’s concern of wanting to protect children. We want to protect children, too. He is not wrong for wanting that. I agree with him, with that sentiment,” — Daniel Perez, House Speaker
- “They’re done because they know that this isn’t the right answer. We need to have more meaningful discussion about how to really hold tech accountable, and we can’t act like we can do it through mere regulation because we are not good enough at it.” — Erin Grall, State Senator
- “AI grooming and sexually exploiting children. Chatbots coaching kids to suicide,” — Caption from DeSantis’ campaign video
What’s Next
The House will vote on redistricting Wednesday, ending the session. Perez said AI action may resume if Congress fails to pass guidance, and vaccine exemption proposal could return in regular session.
