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Bill

HB 491

Use of Artificial Intelligence by Governmental Agencies to Detect Concealed Firearms

2025 Regular Session Introduced by David Borrero and 3 co-sponsors

Bill authorizes Florida agencies to deploy AI technology detecting concealed firearms in public spaces, raising Second Amendment, privacy, and AI reliability concerns before dying in committee.

Died in Rules
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Bill Summary · HB 491

Legislative bill overview

HB 491 would authorize Florida governmental agencies to use artificial intelligence technology to detect concealed firearms in public spaces. The bill establishes a framework for deploying AI-based detection systems, presumably at entry points or in public venues, to identify individuals carrying concealed weapons.

Why is this important

This bill addresses public safety concerns by proposing technological solutions to detect weapons before incidents occur. However, it raises significant questions about surveillance infrastructure, privacy protections, and the accuracy/reliability of emerging AI detection technologies in real-world law enforcement applications.

Potential points of contention

  • Second Amendment conflicts: Opponents argue the bill infringes on constitutional carry rights and the right to bear arms, particularly if applied broadly across public spaces
  • Privacy and surveillance concerns: Civil liberties advocates worry about mass surveillance infrastructure, data collection, storage practices, and potential mission creep beyond firearm detection
  • AI accuracy and bias: Questions exist about detection technology reliability, false positive/negative rates, potential racial or demographic biases in AI systems, and liability for errors that could lead to wrongful detention or escalated confrontations
  • Implementation costs and feasibility: Unclear funding mechanisms, technical deployment challenges, and whether existing AI technology is sufficiently mature for this application

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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