SB 1546 · 2026 session
Became lawArtificial intelligence companions
Requires operators of artificial intelligence companions and artificial intelligence companion platforms to provide notice to users that the users are interacting with artificial output if a reasonable person that interacts with the artificial intelligence companion or artificial intelligence companion platform would believe that the person was interacting with a natural person.
Where it stands
Oregon Laws 2026, chapter 85.
Effective January 1, 2027.
Last action, April 6, 2026: Effective date, January 1, 2027.
What it does
Tells those who make AI software to tell users that the users are talking to software, not a human. Tells them they must try to prevent users from getting output that causes suicidal feelings or thoughts.
Full legislative summary
Requires operators of artificial intelligence companions and artificial intelligence companion platforms to provide notice to users that the users are interacting with artificial output if a reasonable person that interacts with the artificial intelligence companion or artificial intelligence companion platform would believe that the person was interacting with a natural person. Requires the operators to have in place a protocol for detecting suicidal ideation or intent or self-harm ideation or intent and to prevent output that could cause such ideation or intent in users. Specifies minimum contents of the protocol, including referral to an appropriate crisis lifeline and additional intervention informed by clinical best practices and expertise. Requires an operator to make certain statements and disclosures if the operator has reason to believe that a user that interacts with the operator's artificial intelligence companion or artificial intelligence platform is a minor. Requires the operator to take reasonable steps to prevent the artificial intelligence companion from generating statements that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the person was interacting with a natural person and to require the artificial intelligence companion to make certain other statements. Requires an operator to post a report each year on a publicly accessible website that discloses incidents in which the operator referred a user to resources to prevent suicidal ideation, suicide or self-harm.
Allows a user that suffers ascertainable harm to bring an action for damages and injunctive relief.
Already in place in Oregon
- SB 1546(opens in a new tab)2026Law · Starts January 1, 2027AI companion chatbots must tell users they aren’t human and refer users who mention self-harm to crisis help. When a user may be a minor, they may not role-play romance or show sexual content, and must suggest a break every three hours.
Similar laws in other states
- California SB 243(opens in a new tab)2025Companion chatbots must disclose they are AI, remind minors to take breaks, block sexual content for minors, and follow suicide-prevention protocols.
- California SB 1119(opens in a new tab)2026"Adam's Law" adds child-safety defaults for companion chatbots: age assurance, parental controls, crisis protocols, annual risk assessments and independent audits.
- New York S3008C (Part U)(opens in a new tab)2025Budget law requiring AI companions to detect suicidal ideation, refer users to crisis services, and remind users they are not human.
- Washington HB 2225(opens in a new tab)2026Regulates AI companion chatbots, with hourly AI reminders and added safeguards for minors; includes a private right of action.
- Connecticut SB 5 (Public Act 26-15)(opens in a new tab)2026Broad online-safety law that includes AI companion rules: AI disclosures and suicide and self-harm response protocols.
- Georgia SB 540(opens in a new tab)2026Bars AI chatbots from sexual content or simulated romance with minors; requires AI disclosure, parental controls and crisis referrals.
- Nebraska LB525(opens in a new tab)2026Conversational AI Safety Act requires AI disclosure, extra safeguards for minor account holders, and crisis-referral protocols; enforced by the attorney general.
- Utah H.B. 452(opens in a new tab)2025Regulates mental health chatbots: requires AI disclosure, limits advertising, and bars selling users' health information.
- Tennessee SB 1711(opens in a new tab)2024Requires school boards, charter schools and public universities to adopt policies on student and staff use of AI.
- Ohio HB 96(opens in a new tab)2025State budget requiring every public district and charter school to adopt an AI-use policy by July 1, 2026.
History
· Senate
Effective date, January 1, 2027.
· Senate
Chapter 85, 2026 Laws.
· Senate
Governor signed.
· House
Speaker signed.
· Senate
President signed.
· Senate
Senate concurred in House amendments and repassed bill.
· House
Third reading. Carried by Dobson. Passed.
· House
Rules suspended. Carried over to March 4, 2026 Calendar.
· House
Second reading.
· House
Recommendation: Do pass with amendments and be printed B-Engrossed.
· House
Work Session held.
· House
Public Hearing held.
· House
Referred to Behavioral Health.
· House
First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.
· Senate
Third reading. Carried by Reynolds. Passed.
· Senate
Carried over to 02-19 by virtue of adjournment.
· Senate
Second reading.
· Senate
Recommendation: Do pass with amendments. (Printed A-Eng.)
· Senate
Work Session held.
· Senate
Work Session held.
· Senate
Public Hearing held.
· Senate
Informational Meeting held.
· Senate
Referred to Early Childhood and Behavioral Health.
· Senate
Introduction and first reading. Referred to President's desk.