Sen. Leek files ‘AI Bill of Rights’ ahead of 2026 session
Rep. Tom Leek
A Volusia County lawmaker is proposing a sweeping “AI Bill of Rights,” that would protect consumers and parents, and, among other things, give Floridians the right to sue for unauthorized use of their name, image, or likeness.
Republican Sen. Tom Leek, corporate counsel for an Ormond Beach insurance firm, filed SB 482 on December 22.
The bill would establish Floridians' right “to use artificial intelligence to improve their own lives,” and “to know whether they are communicating with a human being or an artificial intelligence system, program, or chatbot.”
The bill also declares a user’s right “to pursue civil remedies authorized by law against persons who use artificial intelligence to appropriate the name, image, or likeness of others for commercial purposes without their consent.”
AI platforms would be barred from selling a user’s personal data that has not been deidentified, and violators could face stiff fines. The bill would authorize the attorney general to investigate, issue subpoenas, and bring civil actions under the Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
Governmental entities would be prohibited from entering or renewing contracts with AI providers owned by a “foreign country of concern.”
Leek filed the measure with little fanfare after lawmakers wrapped a final interim committee week ahead of the 2026 session and headed back to their districts for the holidays.
The filing follows recent warnings by Gov. Ron DeSantis about the potential drawbacks of large data centers needed to power AI platforms, and his call for AI guardrails to protect parents and consumers.
During an appearance earlier this month at the sprawling Villages retirement community in Central Florida, DeSantis was joined by an Orlando woman who blames an AI chatbot for encouraging her son’s suicide.
“We cannot turn it all over to machines and think that it’s going to work out great in the end,” DeSantis said. “I really fear that if this is not addressed in an intelligent and proper way, it could set off an age of darkness and deceit.”
SB 482 would prohibit AI companion chatbot platforms from establishing or maintaining accounts with minors without a parent’s consent, and require them to allow parents to monitor, restrict, and disable their child’s interactions.
Platforms would also be required to provide a parent or guardian “timely notification” if a minor account holder expresses “an intent to engage in self-harm or to harm others.”
Senate leaders have yet to refer the bill to committees and there is no House companion. The bill would take effect July 1, 2026.
Lawmakers convene January 13 for the next regular, 60-day session.
