Is a states’ rights showdown coming?

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desire for an Artificial Intelligence “Bill of Rights” to combat what he calls an “age of darkness and deceit” could lead to a confrontation with the White House if it’s deemed Florida goes too far.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi may end up suing the state she served in the same role if plans to regulate artificial intelligence move from concept to ratification, given the White House belief that there must be “a minimally burdensome national standard — not 50 discordant State ones” to “sustain and enhance the United States’ global AI dominance.”

President Donald Trump’s AI executive order issued Thursday compels Bondi to “establish an AI Litigation Task Force (Task Force) whose sole responsibility shall be to challenge State AI laws inconsistent with the policy set forth in section 2 of this order, including on grounds that such laws unconstitutionally regulate interstate commerce, are preempted by existing Federal regulations, or are otherwise unlawful in the Attorney General’s judgment.”

DeSantis has said he’s not worried about a presidential executive order, since he believes it “doesn’t/can’t preempt state legislative action.”

But Trump’s order calls his bluff as well as that of other Governors who might want to go their own way.

The Commerce Secretary would also have a role in enforcement by publishing an “evaluation of existing State AI laws that identifies onerous laws that conflict with the policy … as well as laws that should be referred to the Task Force established.”

“That evaluation of State AI laws shall, at a minimum, identify laws that require AI models to alter their truthful outputs, or that may compel AI developers or deployers to disclose or report information in a manner that would violate the First Amendment or any other provision of the Constitution,” the Trump continues.

Florida could also be deemed not “eligible for remaining funding under the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program” if it joins the push to create “a fragmented State regulatory landscape for AI (that) threatens to undermine BEAD-funded deployments, the growth of AI applications reliant on high-speed networks, and BEAD’s mission of delivering universal, high-speed connectivity.”

Trump’s order also compels a legislative recommendation that would allow for some latitude, such as state regulation regarding “child safety protections” and “AI compute and data center infrastructure.”

So, Florida could regulate with those factors in mind.

DeSantis has decried overstretched stock market valuations for “Mag 7” companies Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia and Tesla, all of which are in the AI space. He has also suggested the Founding Fathers would hate the technology, and argued it will be used to perpetuate fraud.

Tallahassee has its share of graybeards, but only one GrayBeard.

GrayBeard Strategies is the latest venture for veteran lobbyist Matt Bryan, whose four decades of experience in state capitols nationwide have made him a go-to adviser for businesses, nonprofits and government contractors navigating Florida’s political landscape.

“When it comes to policymaking, state procurement and political strategy, the stakes are higher than ever before. Organizations need a trusted adviser who brings decades of wisdom, strong integrity and deep relationships to develop policy agendas and guide decision-making,” Bryan said. “This new adventure is informed by my life’s experiences in the rough-and-tumble field of governmental relations and fueled by my relentless drive to make an impact for those who have chosen to invest in me.”

GrayBeard Strategies is built around exactly that premise. The firm offers executive-level guidance on government engagement, from crafting legislative strategies and shaping policy agendas to navigating appropriations, procurement and major state contracts. Bryan also positions the firm as a partner for organizations looking to strengthen or rebuild their in-house government relations teams.

Bryan’s reputation in Tallahassee and beyond is anchored in a long track record of results. At Smith Bryan & Myers — now SBM Partners — he assembled a wide-ranging client portfolio touching health care, transportation, taxation and agriculture.

His achievements include securing tens of millions of dollars in recurring state appropriations, helping drive more than a billion dollars in Medicaid reimbursement increases over six years, establishing incentives that bolstered Florida’s short rail lines, and winning a first-of-its-kind supplemental insurance contract for state employees and retirees.

Those who have worked alongside him say the record speaks for itself. Lantern CEO John Zutter credited Bryan with making “the difference between success and failure” in navigating state governments, and Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association CEO Lonny Powell described him as a strategist who can “connect the dots” across politics, policy and public affairs like few others.

GrayBeard also launches with a strong endorsement from former Gov. Jeb Bush: “I had the pleasure of getting to know Matt during my time as Governor. His honesty, work ethic and strategic insight stood out from the start. I’m confident he will be a valuable asset to growing businesses across the country in this venture.”

Beyond the résumé, Bryan is known for cultivating deep relationships across the political and business spectrum. He remains active in the National Association of State Lobbyists and has mentored a generation of rising government relations professionals in Florida and elsewhere.

With GrayBeard Strategies, he says the mission is simple: give organizations a roadmap to success.

“Throughout my career, I’ve seen what works — and what doesn’t — when it comes to building effective advocacy teams,” Bryan said. “GrayBeard Strategies exists to share that institutional knowledge with organizations looking for more than representation: they want results.”