News Oregon SB 1546 AI Companion Law 2026
Oregon SB 1546 (the AI Companion Safety Act)[1] is an Oregon state law signed by Governor Tina Kotek on March 31, 2026, that establishes comprehensive regulation of AI companion systems.[2][3] The law takes effect on January 1, 2027.[3]
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.[3][4] It passed both chambers on March 5, 2026, with near-unanimous support (28-2 in the Senate) and no public opposition testimony.[3][5]
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.[4][1]
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)[3][5]
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[3][2]
Transparency and Reporting
Operators must file annual reports publicly online in Oregon, disclosing usage data and safety metrics.[3][4]
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.[3][5]
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.[3][4]
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
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Oregon Legislative Information, SB 1546 Overview
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Transparency Coalition, Oregon Lawmakers Pass Major Chatbot Bill
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 Baker Botts, Oregon SB 1546: The First Chatbot Law With Real Teeth
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Miller Nash, Oregon's New AI Companion Law: What You Need To Know
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Troutman Pepper, Oregon Legislature Passes Bill Regulating Consumer-Facing Interactive AI With Private Right of Action