House, Senate clash over AI ‘bill of rights’ as White House interjects

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bill of Rights legislation could be in trouble.

White House staff have reached out to Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez to voice opposition to the bill, according to a new report by the Daily Signal. 

The report comes on the eve of the Senate’s scheduled floor vote on SB 482, filed by Sen. Tom Leek. The Senate has been trying to advance AI reforms, one of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ major agenda items.

The Senate did not respond to a request for comment on Tuesday.

The Senate bill is seeking to protect minors and vulnerable adults by requiring AI bots to pop up disclaimers that AI is being used, increasing parental controls and more.

Perez has maintained that the federal government — not the state — should be responsible for AI reform.

“I have massive concerns with the states of to deal with anything in tech. I mean, even old school tech we haven’t been able to get right here in the state of Florida, let alone what’s in front of us with AI,” Perez said last week during a media gaggle. “I think the federal government should take first dibs on that and should take control of AI. I think it’s a national security concern. And the White House has said that publicly.”

He left the door open, saying the House might get involved in legislating AI in the future.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a never, but it’s something that we’re still having conversations about,” Perez added.

Meanwhile, Leek’s bill has cleared two Committee stops and is ready for the full Senate floor.

Leek has defended his bill, arguing it is narrowly focused and does not conflict with President Donald Trump’s executive order limiting states’ ability to pass comprehensive AI reforms.

“Quite simply, we get a 60-day Session once a year. If we don’t act and Congress doesn’t act, those protections won’t exist for Florida’s children and vulnerable adults,” Leek said last month during a Senate Committee hearing. “Artificial intelligence, holding a great deal of promise, also poses novel and unique threats. Generative AI in particular can be particularly insidious in some contexts when used by children or unsuspecting or vulnerable adults.”