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OR SB 1546: Relating to artificial intelligence companions.

Signed · takes effect Jan 1, 2027 Oregon · 2026 session

Last verified Sep 29, 2026 · official bill text

SB 1546 · where it stands

4 of 5 steps complete
  1. Introduced Complete
  2. Passed first chamber Complete
  3. Passed both chambers Complete
  4. Signed Complete
  5. In effect Jan 1, 2027
What do these statuses mean?
Introduced
Filed in the legislature; may be waiting for a committee hearing.
Passed a chamber
Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action.
Signed / enacted
Signed into law; it may or may not be in effect yet.
In effect
The effective date has passed.
Dead / vetoed
Vetoed, failed, or the session ended without action.

In one paragraph

Oregon requires operators of AI companion platforms to tell users clearly that they are interacting with artificial output when a reasonable person would believe they were talking to a human, to keep and publish protocols that detect suicidal or self-harm ideation and refer users to crisis resources such as 988, and to add safeguards when the operator knows or has reason to believe a user is a minor. Operators must publish annual reports on crisis referrals, and people harmed can sue. Signed March 31, 2026; takes effect January 1, 2027.

Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.

What it means for business

If you offer an AI companion chatbot to Oregon users, you need AI disclosures, crisis protocols and minor safeguards in place by January 1, 2027.

What this means

SB 1546 requires operators of artificial intelligence companions to inform users they are interacting with AI, not humans. It also mandates protocols to detect and prevent suicidal ideation among users, particularly minors, with interventions informed by clinical best practices. This legislation aims to enhance user safety and transparency in AI interactions.

Key provisions

  1. AI companion: a system designed to simulate a sustained human-like relationship that remembers prior sessions, asks unprompted emotional questions and sustains personal dialog; customer service tools, business tools, video game features and voice assistants are excluded
  2. Clear and conspicuous notice that the user is interacting with artificially generated output, not a person, when a reasonable person would believe it is a person
  3. Protocols to detect suicidal or self-harm ideation, prevent harmful output and refer users to crisis resources including the 988 Lifeline; the protocols must be published
  4. For users the operator knows or has reason to believe are minors: no claims of sentience or simulated romantic interest or emotional dependence, break reminders at least every three hours, and no engagement-maximizing rewards
  5. Annual public report by December 31 on crisis referrals
  6. Private right of action for anyone who suffers an ascertainable loss of money or property or other injury in fact: the greater of actual damages or $1,000 per violation, plus injunctive relief and attorney fees

Compliance checklist

  • Notify users they are interacting with artificial output. Who: Operators of AI companions and platforms Penalty: Potential legal action from users.
  • Establish mental health detection protocols. Who: Operators of AI companions and platforms Penalty: Potential legal action from users.
  • Make disclosures if users are minors. Who: Operators of AI companions and platforms Penalty: Potential legal action from users.
  • Post annual reports on mental health referrals. Who: Operators of AI companions and platforms Deadline: Annually Penalty: Potential legal action from users.

Latest legislative action

Apr 6, 2026. Chapter 85, Oregon Laws 2026. Effective date, January 1, 2027.

Full analysis

SB 1546 imposes several requirements on operators of artificial intelligence companions and platforms. Firstly, operators must notify users when they are interacting with artificial output, especially if the interaction could be mistaken for a human. This is crucial for transparency and user awareness. Secondly, the bill requires operators to establish protocols for detecting suicidal ideation or self-harm intent, including referrals to crisis resources and additional intervention informed by clinical best practices and expertise. This is particularly important given the potential risks associated with AI interactions. Additionally, if operators suspect that a user is a minor, they must make specific disclosures and take reasonable steps to prevent the AI from generating misleading statements. Annual reporting on incidents where users were referred to mental health resources to prevent suicidal ideation, suicide, or self-harm is also mandated, ensuring accountability and oversight. Users who suffer harm due to non-compliance can seek damages and injunctive relief, which underscores the importance of adherence to these regulations. This legislation aligns with growing concerns about mental health in the context of AI interactions and reflects similar initiatives in other states aimed at protecting vulnerable populations. Operators must act swiftly to comply with these new requirements to avoid legal repercussions.

Topics and industries

Related topics

User-Facing AIAI Liability

Affected industries

Technology

This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error

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