View source for News Oregon SB 1546 AI Companion Law 2026

'''Oregon SB 1546''' (the '''AI Companion Safety Act''')<ref name="olis">[https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Measures/Overview/SB1546 Oregon Legislative Information, SB 1546 Overview]</ref> is an Oregon state law signed by Governor Tina Kotek on '''March 31, 2026''', that establishes comprehensive regulation of AI companion systems.<ref name="transparency">[https://www.transparencycoalition.ai/news/oregon-lawmakers-pass-major-chatbot-bill-in-significant-win-for-kids-and-ai-safety Transparency Coalition, Oregon Lawmakers Pass Major Chatbot Bill]</ref><ref name="bakerbotts">[https://ourtake.bakerbotts.com/post/102mmmi/oregon-sb-1546-the-first-chatbot-law-with-real-teeth Baker Botts, Oregon SB 1546: The First Chatbot Law With Real Teeth]</ref> The law takes effect on '''January 1, 2027'''.<ref name="bakerbotts" />

== Overview ==

Oregon SB 1546 is the first state law regulating AI "companions" — AI systems designed to simulate sustained human-like platonic, intimate, romantic, or companionship relationships by retaining contextual information and personalizing interactions.<ref name="bakerbotts" /><ref name="millernash">[https://www.millernash.com/industry-news/oregons-new-ai-companion-law-what-you-need-to-know Miller Nash, Oregon's New AI Companion Law: What You Need To Know]</ref> It passed both chambers on March 5, 2026, with near-unanimous support (28-2 in the Senate) and no public opposition testimony.<ref name="bakerbotts" /><ref name="troutman">[https://www.troutmanprivacy.com/2026/03/oregon-legislature-passes-bill-regulating-consumer-facing-interactive-ai-with-private-right-of-action/ Troutman Pepper, Oregon Legislature Passes Bill Regulating Consumer-Facing Interactive AI With Private Right of Action]</ref>

== Key Provisions ==

=== Disclosure Requirements ===
Operators must clearly and conspicuously disclose that the service is AI-powered if a reasonable person might believe they are interacting with a human.<ref name="millernash" /><ref name="olis" />

=== Safety Requirements ===
All AI companion operators must:
* Detect suicidal ideation or self-harm in user communications
* Interrupt conversations when risk is detected
* Provide crisis referrals (e.g., suicide prevention hotlines)<ref name="bakerbotts" /><ref name="troutman" />

=== Minor Protections ===
When operators have reason to believe a user is under 18:
* Provide hourly reminders to take breaks and that the companion is AI (no misrepresenting as human)
* Avoid sexually explicit content or techniques that foster emotional dependency<ref name="bakerbotts" /><ref name="transparency" />

=== Transparency and Reporting ===
Operators must file '''annual reports''' publicly online in Oregon, disclosing usage data and safety metrics.<ref name="bakerbotts" /><ref name="millernash" />

=== Enforcement ===
Notably, SB 1546 includes a '''private right of action''' with '''$1,000 statutory damages per violation''', making it the first chatbot regulation law to allow individual lawsuits.<ref name="bakerbotts" /><ref name="troutman" />

== Relationship to Other Laws ==

Oregon SB 1546 builds on California's SB 243 but adds mandatory crisis response interruptions and minor-specific protections, establishing a consumer protection and public health framework distinct from other state chatbot laws.<ref name="bakerbotts" /><ref name="millernash" />

== Significance ==

Oregon SB 1546 is significant because it:
* Is the first AI companion law to include a private right of action
* Establishes mandatory crisis detection and intervention requirements
* Creates specific protections for minors interacting with AI companions
* Requires public transparency reporting from AI companion operators
* Takes effect January 1, 2027

== References ==

<references />

[[Category:State Legislation]]
[[Category:Chatbot Regulation]]
[[Category:Child Safety]]
[[Category:Transparency]]
[[Category:Data Privacy]]
[[Category:Risk-Based Framework]]
[[Category:Oregon]]