TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – This week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called for state lawmakers to return for a special session.
According to a memo by Sen. Ben Albritton (R-Bartow), the session will convene on April 28, though it will only last through May 1.
Albritton announced that this special session will focus primarily on the following three issues:
REDISTRICTING
Per the memo, a proposal from DeSantis’ office is expected to be sent to the Senate for consideration, though no details were released about what that may look like. Albritton added that the proposal will likely be presented before April 28.
[BELOW: Florida lawmakers consider congressional redistricting]
That said, Albritton also warned senators to keep some distance from partisan groups that may try to influence the redistricting process.
“As a reminder, Senators should be aware that in prior cycles, significant litigation has followed passage of new maps,” Albritton continued. “The Florida Supreme Court has previously limited the scope of legislative privilege when it comes to redistricting.”
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
As for the topic of A.I., the memo says that legislation will be filed that’s identical to SB 482, another bill that died earlier this year.
SB 482 was pushed by DeSantis, as it sought to establish an “Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights.”
[BELOW: DeSantis calls for A.I. bill of rights]
“With an emphasis on safeguarding Florida’s children, the bill addresses current consumer transparency challenges, threats to child safety, and other potential impacts arising from technological advances in artificial intelligence,” Albritton states.
MEDICAL FREEDOM
Lastly, the memo shows that there will be legislation identical to SB 1756 — dubbed the “Medical Freedom Act” — which also died last month.
Similarly to SB 482, this bill was championed by DeSantis, and Albritton notes it will make several changes to state law, including:
- Vaccine Exemptions: Creates a conscience exemption from vaccine requirements for children attending K-12 schools
- Ivermectin Sales: Allows the sale of ivermectin without a prescription as a behind-the-counter medication
- Vaccines on Kids: Before a vaccine can be administered to a child, the health care practitioner must provide the child’s parent with the appropriate CDC information statement
- Discrimination Ban: Makes permanent Florida’s existing ban on discrimination based on a person’s mRNA vaccination status
- Forced Vaccinations: Protects Florida residents from being forcibly vaccinated during emergencies
Meanwhile, Albritton’s full memo can be read below: