Oregon’s New AI Companion Law: What You Need to Know
Oregon's legislature passed Senate Bill 1546 (SB 1546) on March 5, 2026, during its 2026 short session, regulating "AI companions"—AI systems designed to simulate sustained human-like relationships by retaining user data, asking emotional questions, and personalizing interactions.[1][2][6][10] The bill requires operators serving Oregon users to disclose AI interactions (with frequent reminders for minors), detect and respond to suicidal ideation by referring to crisis lines like 988, ban sexually explicit content and manipulative tactics (e.g., simulated distress or reward loops) for minors, implement break prompts, and report safety data publicly or to the Oregon Health Authority.[1][2][4][6][8][10] It includes a private right of action with $1,000 statutory damages per violation, effective January 1, 2027, if signed by Governor Tina Kotek (pending as of early April 2026).[2][4][6][10]