Florida House snubs DeSantis again, punting AI and vaccine bills
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On the opening day of Florida's special session, the House brushed aside two of Gov. Ron DeSantis' priorities — bills to regulate AI and eliminate vaccine mandates for schoolchildren.
Why it matters: DeSantis' tenure as governor is nearing its end, and his once formidable clout in the state has all but evaporated, with lawmakers now treating his priorities as suggestions at best, if not ignoring them outright.
- It's the latest sign of a growing divide within the state GOP, one that has resulted in longer (and less productive) legislative sessions, special election losses and an increasingly bloated race for governor.
Driving the news: DeSantis called for a special session to redraw the state's congressional districts, then tacked on two bills from his wish list: an "AI Bill of Rights" and "Medical Freedom" legislation.
- The proposed map — drafted by the governor's office and filed in both chambers — would draw four more Republican-leaning seats and erase Tampa Bay's only Democratic-leaning district.
- While the Senate resurrected the other bills, which it had passed during the regular session, the House rejected them once more.
The latest: DeSantis accused the House of "political shenanigans" on X, writing that it had caved to Big Tech and the "medical industrial complex."
- After House Speaker Daniel Perez (R-Miami) announced that his chamber would not consider the bills, the Senate torpedoed the "Medical Freedom" bill but passed the "AI Bill of Rights."
- Katie Betta, a spokesperson for Senate President Ben Albritton, tells Axios that punting the "Medical Freedom" legislation allows "more committee time to focus on redistricting, including public testimony."
Since he lost to President Trump in the 2024 primaries, DeSantis' power has nosedived. His run gave cover for lawmakers to rebel against him without risking their MAGA bona fides — and they have, time and again.
The governor's office did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.
Yes, but: There are still opportunities to cement his legacy.
- For now, it appears his efforts to redraw the state's congressional maps are safe — albeit with President Trump's and Perez's co-sign.
- His biggest test, however, might be eliminating property taxes, which lawmakers failed to agree on before the regular session concluded and, for now, remains on ice.
What's next: Lawmakers are expected to vote on DeSantis' congressional map on Wednesday.