Technology and AI Targeted in New Series of Bills in the Florida Legislature

Two bills moving through the Florida legislature could establish new regulations for artificial intelligence (AI) use, virtual currency kiosks, and bolster government technology modernization. 

HB 1459 and SB 662, filed by the Commerce and Banking and Insurance committees, respectively, would accomplish these tasks. 

Originally filed by Representative Fiona McFarland (R-73) and later refiled by the Commerce Committee, HB 1459 is a general technology bill seeking to regulate AI and modernize government technology. 

SB 662, filed by Senator Colleen Burton (R-12) and resubmitted by the Banking and Insurance committee creates regulations for the emerging virtual currency kiosk business.  

Virtual currency kiosks are electronic terminals that facilitate the exchange of virtual currency for fiat or standard currency or virtual currency for a customer.

Among other regulatory measures, Senator Burton’s bill would require virtual currency kiosk businesses to register with the state and disclose potential fraud-related risks to customers.

Representative McFarland’s proposal would install “AI transparency” regulations that would compel individuals, companies, and government agencies offering products or services using AI to disclose their use of the technology. 

Intentionally producing AI-generated child pornography would be outlawed and individuals creating such content could face up to $50,000 in fines along with other punitive measures.  

McFarland’s bill would also create a ‘Government Technology Modernization Council within the Florida Department of Management Services.’

The council’s main functions would be to “study and monitor the development and deployment of artificial intelligence systems and provide reports on such systems to the Governor and the Legislature.” 

As part of its AI oversight responsibilities, the council would provide guidance on legislative reforms and the creation of a state code of ethics for AI systems in state government.

Moreover, the council would also assess how governmental entities and the private sector are using artificial intelligence with a focus on opportunity areas for deployment.

Last month, Florida Senator Joe Gruters (R) filed a similar bill to create an ‘Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council’ within Florida’s state government. 

The AI council would be lodged in the  Department of Management Services and surveil the development and use of AI systems across Florida. 

Some of the council’s responsibilities would include recommending administrative and legislative actions to promote the development of AI in Florida. Additionally, the council would identify potential benefits, liabilities, and risks that the state, private residents, and businesses could incur from AI development.