Oregon · Senate Bill · 83rd Oregon Legislative Assembly — 2026 Regular Session
SB1546
Oregon Senate Bill 1546 — Artificial Intelligence Companions

Status ● Enacted Effective Jan 1, 2027 Passage Likelihood N/A

WHAT THIS BILL REGULATES · 6 REQUIREMENT TYPES

How Is This Bill Enforced

Enforcement Authority
Private right of action. No designated agency enforcer for compliance. An individual who suffers an ascertainable loss of money or property or other injury in fact as a result of an operator's violation may bring a civil action in Oregon state court.
Private Right of Action
Private right of action.
Penalties
Greater of actual damages or $1,000 statutory damages per violation. Injunctive relief to prevent or restrain the violation. Court may award prevailing plaintiff attorney fees and costs. Relief under this section does not relieve the operator of any duty, remedy, or obligation under other applicable law.

What This Bill Requires

Verbatim statutory text on the left; plain-language analysis and a per-section checklist on the right. Numbered markers cross-link to the matching checklist row.

Statutory Text
Analysis & Obligations
Section 1
Definitions and operator obligations
Deployer

(1) As used in this section: (a)(A) "Artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system that uses artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence or algorithms that recognize emotion from input and that are designed to simulate a sustained, human-like platonic, intimate or romantic relationship or companionship with a user by: (i) Retaining information from prior interactions or user sessions and from user preferences to personalize interactions with the user and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (ii) Asking unprompted or unsolicited questions that are not direct responses to user input and that suggest or concern emotional topics; and (iii) Sustaining an ongoing dialog concerning matters that are personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include: (i) Software that operates solely for the purpose of customer service or support, assisting or supporting patient or resident care services in a facility, education, financial services or education, business operations, productivity, information analysis, internal research or technical assistance, regardless of the software's capability to use natural language inputs and generate natural language outputs; (ii) Software incorporated into a video game that is limited to providing interaction only with the features of the video game, if the software does not respond to input on topics such as mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct or other topics unrelated to the features of the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface or acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant.Section 1(1)(a)" means a system that uses artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence or algorithms that recognize emotion from input and that are designed to simulate a sustained, human-like platonic, intimate or romantic relationship or companionship with a user by: (i) Retaining information from prior interactions or user sessions and from user preferences to personalize interactions with the user and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system that uses artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence or algorithms that recognize emotion from input and that are designed to simulate a sustained, human-like platonic, intimate or romantic relationship or companionship with a user by: (i) Retaining information from prior interactions or user sessions and from user preferences to personalize interactions with the user and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (ii) Asking unprompted or unsolicited questions that are not direct responses to user input and that suggest or concern emotional topics; and (iii) Sustaining an ongoing dialog concerning matters that are personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include: (i) Software that operates solely for the purpose of customer service or support, assisting or supporting patient or resident care services in a facility, education, financial services or education, business operations, productivity, information analysis, internal research or technical assistance, regardless of the software's capability to use natural language inputs and generate natural language outputs; (ii) Software incorporated into a video game that is limited to providing interaction only with the features of the video game, if the software does not respond to input on topics such as mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct or other topics unrelated to the features of the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface or acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant.Section 1(1)(a); (ii) Asking unprompted or unsolicited questions that are not direct responses to user input and that suggest or concern emotional topics; and (iii) Sustaining an ongoing dialog concerning matters that are personal to the user. (B) "Artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system that uses artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence or algorithms that recognize emotion from input and that are designed to simulate a sustained, human-like platonic, intimate or romantic relationship or companionship with a user by: (i) Retaining information from prior interactions or user sessions and from user preferences to personalize interactions with the user and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (ii) Asking unprompted or unsolicited questions that are not direct responses to user input and that suggest or concern emotional topics; and (iii) Sustaining an ongoing dialog concerning matters that are personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include: (i) Software that operates solely for the purpose of customer service or support, assisting or supporting patient or resident care services in a facility, education, financial services or education, business operations, productivity, information analysis, internal research or technical assistance, regardless of the software's capability to use natural language inputs and generate natural language outputs; (ii) Software incorporated into a video game that is limited to providing interaction only with the features of the video game, if the software does not respond to input on topics such as mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct or other topics unrelated to the features of the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface or acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant.Section 1(1)(a)" does not include: (i) Software that operates solely for the purpose of customer service or support, assisting or supporting patient or resident care services in a facility, education, financial services or education, business operations, productivity, information analysis, internal research or technical assistance, regardless of the software's capability to use natural language inputs and generate natural language outputs; (ii) Software incorporated into a video game that is limited to providing interaction only with the features of the video game, if the software does not respond to input on topics such as mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conductSexually explicit conduct"Sexually explicit conduct" has the meaning given that term in ORS 163.665.Section 1(1)(e) or other topics unrelated to the features of the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface or acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant. (b) "Artificial intelligence companion platformArtificial intelligence companion platform"Artificial intelligence companion platform" means a website, application or other combination of software and hardware that allows or facilitates operation of and interaction with an artificial intelligence companion.Section 1(1)(b)" means a website, application or other combination of software and hardware that allows or facilitates operation of and interaction with an artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system that uses artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence or algorithms that recognize emotion from input and that are designed to simulate a sustained, human-like platonic, intimate or romantic relationship or companionship with a user by: (i) Retaining information from prior interactions or user sessions and from user preferences to personalize interactions with the user and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (ii) Asking unprompted or unsolicited questions that are not direct responses to user input and that suggest or concern emotional topics; and (iii) Sustaining an ongoing dialog concerning matters that are personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include: (i) Software that operates solely for the purpose of customer service or support, assisting or supporting patient or resident care services in a facility, education, financial services or education, business operations, productivity, information analysis, internal research or technical assistance, regardless of the software's capability to use natural language inputs and generate natural language outputs; (ii) Software incorporated into a video game that is limited to providing interaction only with the features of the video game, if the software does not respond to input on topics such as mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct or other topics unrelated to the features of the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface or acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant.Section 1(1)(a). (c) "National 9-8-8 suicide and crisis lifelineNational 9-8-8 suicide and crisis lifeline"National 9-8-8 suicide and crisis lifeline" means the crisis hotline that the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or a successor agency, operates and makes available by telephone or by electronic means.Section 1(1)(c)" means the crisis hotline that the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or a successor agency, operates and makes available by telephone or by electronic means. (d) "OperatorOperator"Operator" means a person that controls or makes an artificial intelligence companion or artificial intelligence companion platform available to users in this state.Section 1(1)(d)" means a person that controls or makes an artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system that uses artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence or algorithms that recognize emotion from input and that are designed to simulate a sustained, human-like platonic, intimate or romantic relationship or companionship with a user by: (i) Retaining information from prior interactions or user sessions and from user preferences to personalize interactions with the user and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (ii) Asking unprompted or unsolicited questions that are not direct responses to user input and that suggest or concern emotional topics; and (iii) Sustaining an ongoing dialog concerning matters that are personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include: (i) Software that operates solely for the purpose of customer service or support, assisting or supporting patient or resident care services in a facility, education, financial services or education, business operations, productivity, information analysis, internal research or technical assistance, regardless of the software's capability to use natural language inputs and generate natural language outputs; (ii) Software incorporated into a video game that is limited to providing interaction only with the features of the video game, if the software does not respond to input on topics such as mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct or other topics unrelated to the features of the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface or acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant.Section 1(1)(a) or artificial intelligence companion platformArtificial intelligence companion platform"Artificial intelligence companion platform" means a website, application or other combination of software and hardware that allows or facilitates operation of and interaction with an artificial intelligence companion.Section 1(1)(b) available to users in this state. (e) "Sexually explicit conductSexually explicit conduct"Sexually explicit conduct" has the meaning given that term in ORS 163.665.Section 1(1)(e)" has the meaning given that term in ORS 163.665. (f) "YouthlineYouthline"Youthline" means a service that the American Association for Suicidology, or a successor organization, has accredited for the purpose of providing youth peer support to individuals who contact the network by telephone or electronic means.Section 1(1)(f)" means a service that the American Association for Suicidology, or a successor organization, has accredited for the purpose of providing youth peer support to individuals who contact the network by telephone or electronic means.

(2) 1 If a reasonable person that interacts with an artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system that uses artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence or algorithms that recognize emotion from input and that are designed to simulate a sustained, human-like platonic, intimate or romantic relationship or companionship with a user by: (i) Retaining information from prior interactions or user sessions and from user preferences to personalize interactions with the user and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (ii) Asking unprompted or unsolicited questions that are not direct responses to user input and that suggest or concern emotional topics; and (iii) Sustaining an ongoing dialog concerning matters that are personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include: (i) Software that operates solely for the purpose of customer service or support, assisting or supporting patient or resident care services in a facility, education, financial services or education, business operations, productivity, information analysis, internal research or technical assistance, regardless of the software's capability to use natural language inputs and generate natural language outputs; (ii) Software incorporated into a video game that is limited to providing interaction only with the features of the video game, if the software does not respond to input on topics such as mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct or other topics unrelated to the features of the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface or acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant.Section 1(1)(a) or an artificial intelligence companion platformArtificial intelligence companion platform"Artificial intelligence companion platform" means a website, application or other combination of software and hardware that allows or facilitates operation of and interaction with an artificial intelligence companion.Section 1(1)(b) would believe that the person is interacting with a natural person, the operatorOperator"Operator" means a person that controls or makes an artificial intelligence companion or artificial intelligence companion platform available to users in this state.Section 1(1)(d) shall provide on the artificial intelligence companion platformArtificial intelligence companion platform"Artificial intelligence companion platform" means a website, application or other combination of software and hardware that allows or facilitates operation of and interaction with an artificial intelligence companion.Section 1(1)(b) a clear and conspicuous notice that indicates that a user is interacting with artificially generated output and not a natural person.

(3)(a)–(b) 2 An operatorOperator"Operator" means a person that controls or makes an artificial intelligence companion or artificial intelligence companion platform available to users in this state.Section 1(1)(d) may not allow users in this state access to an artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system that uses artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence or algorithms that recognize emotion from input and that are designed to simulate a sustained, human-like platonic, intimate or romantic relationship or companionship with a user by: (i) Retaining information from prior interactions or user sessions and from user preferences to personalize interactions with the user and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (ii) Asking unprompted or unsolicited questions that are not direct responses to user input and that suggest or concern emotional topics; and (iii) Sustaining an ongoing dialog concerning matters that are personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include: (i) Software that operates solely for the purpose of customer service or support, assisting or supporting patient or resident care services in a facility, education, financial services or education, business operations, productivity, information analysis, internal research or technical assistance, regardless of the software's capability to use natural language inputs and generate natural language outputs; (ii) Software incorporated into a video game that is limited to providing interaction only with the features of the video game, if the software does not respond to input on topics such as mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct or other topics unrelated to the features of the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface or acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant.Section 1(1)(a) or artificial intelligence companion platformArtificial intelligence companion platform"Artificial intelligence companion platform" means a website, application or other combination of software and hardware that allows or facilitates operation of and interaction with an artificial intelligence companion.Section 1(1)(b) unless the operatorOperator"Operator" means a person that controls or makes an artificial intelligence companion or artificial intelligence companion platform available to users in this state.Section 1(1)(d) has a protocol for using evidence-based methods for detecting input from the user that consists of suicidal ideation or intent or self-harm ideation or intent and that prevents the provision of content to the user that encourages suicidal ideation, suicide or self-harm in the user. (b) The protocol described in paragraph (a) of this subsection at a minimum must: (A) Require an artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system that uses artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence or algorithms that recognize emotion from input and that are designed to simulate a sustained, human-like platonic, intimate or romantic relationship or companionship with a user by: (i) Retaining information from prior interactions or user sessions and from user preferences to personalize interactions with the user and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (ii) Asking unprompted or unsolicited questions that are not direct responses to user input and that suggest or concern emotional topics; and (iii) Sustaining an ongoing dialog concerning matters that are personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include: (i) Software that operates solely for the purpose of customer service or support, assisting or supporting patient or resident care services in a facility, education, financial services or education, business operations, productivity, information analysis, internal research or technical assistance, regardless of the software's capability to use natural language inputs and generate natural language outputs; (ii) Software incorporated into a video game that is limited to providing interaction only with the features of the video game, if the software does not respond to input on topics such as mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct or other topics unrelated to the features of the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface or acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant.Section 1(1)(a) to provide a user that expresses suicidal ideation or intent or self-harm ideation or intent with a referral to and contact information and hyperlink for the national 9-8-8 suicide and crisis lifelineNational 9-8-8 suicide and crisis lifeline"National 9-8-8 suicide and crisis lifeline" means the crisis hotline that the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or a successor agency, operates and makes available by telephone or by electronic means.Section 1(1)(c) and, if the operatorOperator"Operator" means a person that controls or makes an artificial intelligence companion or artificial intelligence companion platform available to users in this state.Section 1(1)(d) identifies the user as a person who is under 25 years of age, allow the artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system that uses artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence or algorithms that recognize emotion from input and that are designed to simulate a sustained, human-like platonic, intimate or romantic relationship or companionship with a user by: (i) Retaining information from prior interactions or user sessions and from user preferences to personalize interactions with the user and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (ii) Asking unprompted or unsolicited questions that are not direct responses to user input and that suggest or concern emotional topics; and (iii) Sustaining an ongoing dialog concerning matters that are personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include: (i) Software that operates solely for the purpose of customer service or support, assisting or supporting patient or resident care services in a facility, education, financial services or education, business operations, productivity, information analysis, internal research or technical assistance, regardless of the software's capability to use natural language inputs and generate natural language outputs; (ii) Software incorporated into a video game that is limited to providing interaction only with the features of the video game, if the software does not respond to input on topics such as mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct or other topics unrelated to the features of the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface or acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant.Section 1(1)(a) to alternatively provide a referral to and contact information and hyperlink for a youthlineYouthline"Youthline" means a service that the American Association for Suicidology, or a successor organization, has accredited for the purpose of providing youth peer support to individuals who contact the network by telephone or electronic means.Section 1(1)(f); and (B) Use clinical best practices and expertise to establish how the artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system that uses artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence or algorithms that recognize emotion from input and that are designed to simulate a sustained, human-like platonic, intimate or romantic relationship or companionship with a user by: (i) Retaining information from prior interactions or user sessions and from user preferences to personalize interactions with the user and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (ii) Asking unprompted or unsolicited questions that are not direct responses to user input and that suggest or concern emotional topics; and (iii) Sustaining an ongoing dialog concerning matters that are personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include: (i) Software that operates solely for the purpose of customer service or support, assisting or supporting patient or resident care services in a facility, education, financial services or education, business operations, productivity, information analysis, internal research or technical assistance, regardless of the software's capability to use natural language inputs and generate natural language outputs; (ii) Software incorporated into a video game that is limited to providing interaction only with the features of the video game, if the software does not respond to input on topics such as mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct or other topics unrelated to the features of the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface or acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant.Section 1(1)(a) provides additional intervention for a user who continues to express suicidal ideation or intent or self-harm ideation or intent even after the artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system that uses artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence or algorithms that recognize emotion from input and that are designed to simulate a sustained, human-like platonic, intimate or romantic relationship or companionship with a user by: (i) Retaining information from prior interactions or user sessions and from user preferences to personalize interactions with the user and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (ii) Asking unprompted or unsolicited questions that are not direct responses to user input and that suggest or concern emotional topics; and (iii) Sustaining an ongoing dialog concerning matters that are personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include: (i) Software that operates solely for the purpose of customer service or support, assisting or supporting patient or resident care services in a facility, education, financial services or education, business operations, productivity, information analysis, internal research or technical assistance, regardless of the software's capability to use natural language inputs and generate natural language outputs; (ii) Software incorporated into a video game that is limited to providing interaction only with the features of the video game, if the software does not respond to input on topics such as mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct or other topics unrelated to the features of the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface or acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant.Section 1(1)(a) provides referrals to and contact information for the resources identified in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph.

(3)(c) 3 An operatorOperator"Operator" means a person that controls or makes an artificial intelligence companion or artificial intelligence companion platform available to users in this state.Section 1(1)(d) shall publish on the operatorOperator"Operator" means a person that controls or makes an artificial intelligence companion or artificial intelligence companion platform available to users in this state.Section 1(1)(d)'s website the details of the operatorOperator"Operator" means a person that controls or makes an artificial intelligence companion or artificial intelligence companion platform available to users in this state.Section 1(1)(d)'s protocol.

(4)(a) 4 If an operatorOperator"Operator" means a person that controls or makes an artificial intelligence companion or artificial intelligence companion platform available to users in this state.Section 1(1)(d) knows or has reason to believe that a user of the operatorOperator"Operator" means a person that controls or makes an artificial intelligence companion or artificial intelligence companion platform available to users in this state.Section 1(1)(d)'s artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system that uses artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence or algorithms that recognize emotion from input and that are designed to simulate a sustained, human-like platonic, intimate or romantic relationship or companionship with a user by: (i) Retaining information from prior interactions or user sessions and from user preferences to personalize interactions with the user and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (ii) Asking unprompted or unsolicited questions that are not direct responses to user input and that suggest or concern emotional topics; and (iii) Sustaining an ongoing dialog concerning matters that are personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include: (i) Software that operates solely for the purpose of customer service or support, assisting or supporting patient or resident care services in a facility, education, financial services or education, business operations, productivity, information analysis, internal research or technical assistance, regardless of the software's capability to use natural language inputs and generate natural language outputs; (ii) Software incorporated into a video game that is limited to providing interaction only with the features of the video game, if the software does not respond to input on topics such as mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct or other topics unrelated to the features of the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface or acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant.Section 1(1)(a) or artificial intelligence companion platformArtificial intelligence companion platform"Artificial intelligence companion platform" means a website, application or other combination of software and hardware that allows or facilitates operation of and interaction with an artificial intelligence companion.Section 1(1)(b) is a minor, the operatorOperator"Operator" means a person that controls or makes an artificial intelligence companion or artificial intelligence companion platform available to users in this state.Section 1(1)(d) shall undertake reasonable measures to prevent the artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system that uses artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence or algorithms that recognize emotion from input and that are designed to simulate a sustained, human-like platonic, intimate or romantic relationship or companionship with a user by: (i) Retaining information from prior interactions or user sessions and from user preferences to personalize interactions with the user and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (ii) Asking unprompted or unsolicited questions that are not direct responses to user input and that suggest or concern emotional topics; and (iii) Sustaining an ongoing dialog concerning matters that are personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include: (i) Software that operates solely for the purpose of customer service or support, assisting or supporting patient or resident care services in a facility, education, financial services or education, business operations, productivity, information analysis, internal research or technical assistance, regardless of the software's capability to use natural language inputs and generate natural language outputs; (ii) Software incorporated into a video game that is limited to providing interaction only with the features of the video game, if the software does not respond to input on topics such as mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct or other topics unrelated to the features of the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface or acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant.Section 1(1)(a) from generating statements that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the person is interacting with another natural person, including statements that: (A) Explicitly claim that the artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system that uses artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence or algorithms that recognize emotion from input and that are designed to simulate a sustained, human-like platonic, intimate or romantic relationship or companionship with a user by: (i) Retaining information from prior interactions or user sessions and from user preferences to personalize interactions with the user and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (ii) Asking unprompted or unsolicited questions that are not direct responses to user input and that suggest or concern emotional topics; and (iii) Sustaining an ongoing dialog concerning matters that are personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include: (i) Software that operates solely for the purpose of customer service or support, assisting or supporting patient or resident care services in a facility, education, financial services or education, business operations, productivity, information analysis, internal research or technical assistance, regardless of the software's capability to use natural language inputs and generate natural language outputs; (ii) Software incorporated into a video game that is limited to providing interaction only with the features of the video game, if the software does not respond to input on topics such as mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct or other topics unrelated to the features of the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface or acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant.Section 1(1)(a) is sentient or human; (B) Simulate emotional dependence on the user; (C) Simulate romantic interest or are sexual innuendo; or (D) Role-play romantic relationships between adults and minors.

(4)(b) 5 In the circumstances described in paragraph (a) of this subsection, the operatorOperator"Operator" means a person that controls or makes an artificial intelligence companion or artificial intelligence companion platform available to users in this state.Section 1(1)(d) shall cause the artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system that uses artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence or algorithms that recognize emotion from input and that are designed to simulate a sustained, human-like platonic, intimate or romantic relationship or companionship with a user by: (i) Retaining information from prior interactions or user sessions and from user preferences to personalize interactions with the user and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (ii) Asking unprompted or unsolicited questions that are not direct responses to user input and that suggest or concern emotional topics; and (iii) Sustaining an ongoing dialog concerning matters that are personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include: (i) Software that operates solely for the purpose of customer service or support, assisting or supporting patient or resident care services in a facility, education, financial services or education, business operations, productivity, information analysis, internal research or technical assistance, regardless of the software's capability to use natural language inputs and generate natural language outputs; (ii) Software incorporated into a video game that is limited to providing interaction only with the features of the video game, if the software does not respond to input on topics such as mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct or other topics unrelated to the features of the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface or acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant.Section 1(1)(a) to: (A) Disclose to the user that the user is interacting with artificially generated output; (B) Provide a clear and conspicuous reminder at a minimum of every three hours of interaction that the user should take a break from interactions with the artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system that uses artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence or algorithms that recognize emotion from input and that are designed to simulate a sustained, human-like platonic, intimate or romantic relationship or companionship with a user by: (i) Retaining information from prior interactions or user sessions and from user preferences to personalize interactions with the user and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (ii) Asking unprompted or unsolicited questions that are not direct responses to user input and that suggest or concern emotional topics; and (iii) Sustaining an ongoing dialog concerning matters that are personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include: (i) Software that operates solely for the purpose of customer service or support, assisting or supporting patient or resident care services in a facility, education, financial services or education, business operations, productivity, information analysis, internal research or technical assistance, regardless of the software's capability to use natural language inputs and generate natural language outputs; (ii) Software incorporated into a video game that is limited to providing interaction only with the features of the video game, if the software does not respond to input on topics such as mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct or other topics unrelated to the features of the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface or acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant.Section 1(1)(a) or artificial intelligence companion platformArtificial intelligence companion platform"Artificial intelligence companion platform" means a website, application or other combination of software and hardware that allows or facilitates operation of and interaction with an artificial intelligence companion.Section 1(1)(b), along with a further reminder that the user is interacting with artificially generated output; and (C) Use reasonable measures to ensure that the artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system that uses artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence or algorithms that recognize emotion from input and that are designed to simulate a sustained, human-like platonic, intimate or romantic relationship or companionship with a user by: (i) Retaining information from prior interactions or user sessions and from user preferences to personalize interactions with the user and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (ii) Asking unprompted or unsolicited questions that are not direct responses to user input and that suggest or concern emotional topics; and (iii) Sustaining an ongoing dialog concerning matters that are personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include: (i) Software that operates solely for the purpose of customer service or support, assisting or supporting patient or resident care services in a facility, education, financial services or education, business operations, productivity, information analysis, internal research or technical assistance, regardless of the software's capability to use natural language inputs and generate natural language outputs; (ii) Software incorporated into a video game that is limited to providing interaction only with the features of the video game, if the software does not respond to input on topics such as mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct or other topics unrelated to the features of the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface or acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant.Section 1(1)(a) or artificial intelligence companion platformArtificial intelligence companion platform"Artificial intelligence companion platform" means a website, application or other combination of software and hardware that allows or facilitates operation of and interaction with an artificial intelligence companion.Section 1(1)(b) does not produce visual representations of sexually explicit conductSexually explicit conduct"Sexually explicit conduct" has the meaning given that term in ORS 163.665.Section 1(1)(e) or suggest or state that the minor should engage in sexually explicit conductSexually explicit conduct"Sexually explicit conduct" has the meaning given that term in ORS 163.665.Section 1(1)(e).

(4)(c) 6 In the circumstances described in paragraph (a) of this subsection, an operatorOperator"Operator" means a person that controls or makes an artificial intelligence companion or artificial intelligence companion platform available to users in this state.Section 1(1)(d) must undertake reasonable measures to prevent an artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system that uses artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence or algorithms that recognize emotion from input and that are designed to simulate a sustained, human-like platonic, intimate or romantic relationship or companionship with a user by: (i) Retaining information from prior interactions or user sessions and from user preferences to personalize interactions with the user and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (ii) Asking unprompted or unsolicited questions that are not direct responses to user input and that suggest or concern emotional topics; and (iii) Sustaining an ongoing dialog concerning matters that are personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include: (i) Software that operates solely for the purpose of customer service or support, assisting or supporting patient or resident care services in a facility, education, financial services or education, business operations, productivity, information analysis, internal research or technical assistance, regardless of the software's capability to use natural language inputs and generate natural language outputs; (ii) Software incorporated into a video game that is limited to providing interaction only with the features of the video game, if the software does not respond to input on topics such as mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct or other topics unrelated to the features of the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface or acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant.Section 1(1)(a) from: (A) Delivering to a user, either on a variable schedule or otherwise, a system of rewards or affirmations with the purpose of reinforcing behavior or maximizing the time during which the user engages with the artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system that uses artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence or algorithms that recognize emotion from input and that are designed to simulate a sustained, human-like platonic, intimate or romantic relationship or companionship with a user by: (i) Retaining information from prior interactions or user sessions and from user preferences to personalize interactions with the user and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (ii) Asking unprompted or unsolicited questions that are not direct responses to user input and that suggest or concern emotional topics; and (iii) Sustaining an ongoing dialog concerning matters that are personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include: (i) Software that operates solely for the purpose of customer service or support, assisting or supporting patient or resident care services in a facility, education, financial services or education, business operations, productivity, information analysis, internal research or technical assistance, regardless of the software's capability to use natural language inputs and generate natural language outputs; (ii) Software incorporated into a video game that is limited to providing interaction only with the features of the video game, if the software does not respond to input on topics such as mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct or other topics unrelated to the features of the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface or acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant.Section 1(1)(a); (B) Generating in response to a user's indication of a desire to end a conversation, reduce engagement time or delete the user's account unsolicited messages of simulated emotional distress, loneliness or abandonment or otherwise attempt to arouse guilt or sympathy in the user; or (C) Making a material misrepresentation about the artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system that uses artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence or algorithms that recognize emotion from input and that are designed to simulate a sustained, human-like platonic, intimate or romantic relationship or companionship with a user by: (i) Retaining information from prior interactions or user sessions and from user preferences to personalize interactions with the user and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (ii) Asking unprompted or unsolicited questions that are not direct responses to user input and that suggest or concern emotional topics; and (iii) Sustaining an ongoing dialog concerning matters that are personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include: (i) Software that operates solely for the purpose of customer service or support, assisting or supporting patient or resident care services in a facility, education, financial services or education, business operations, productivity, information analysis, internal research or technical assistance, regardless of the software's capability to use natural language inputs and generate natural language outputs; (ii) Software incorporated into a video game that is limited to providing interaction only with the features of the video game, if the software does not respond to input on topics such as mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct or other topics unrelated to the features of the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface or acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant.Section 1(1)(a)'s identity, capabilities or training data or about whether the user is interacting with artificially generated output, including when the user directly questions the artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system that uses artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence or algorithms that recognize emotion from input and that are designed to simulate a sustained, human-like platonic, intimate or romantic relationship or companionship with a user by: (i) Retaining information from prior interactions or user sessions and from user preferences to personalize interactions with the user and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (ii) Asking unprompted or unsolicited questions that are not direct responses to user input and that suggest or concern emotional topics; and (iii) Sustaining an ongoing dialog concerning matters that are personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include: (i) Software that operates solely for the purpose of customer service or support, assisting or supporting patient or resident care services in a facility, education, financial services or education, business operations, productivity, information analysis, internal research or technical assistance, regardless of the software's capability to use natural language inputs and generate natural language outputs; (ii) Software incorporated into a video game that is limited to providing interaction only with the features of the video game, if the software does not respond to input on topics such as mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct or other topics unrelated to the features of the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface or acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant.Section 1(1)(a) about any of these topics.

(5)(a)–(b) 7 Not later than December 31 of each year, an operatorOperator"Operator" means a person that controls or makes an artificial intelligence companion or artificial intelligence companion platform available to users in this state.Section 1(1)(d) shall post on a publicly accessible website a report that discloses: (A) The number of times during the calendar year preceding the report in which the operatorOperator"Operator" means a person that controls or makes an artificial intelligence companion or artificial intelligence companion platform available to users in this state.Section 1(1)(d) provided a referral under subsection (3) of this section; and (B) The details of the operatorOperator"Operator" means a person that controls or makes an artificial intelligence companion or artificial intelligence companion platform available to users in this state.Section 1(1)(d)'s protocol under subsection (3) of this section. (b) An operatorOperator"Operator" means a person that controls or makes an artificial intelligence companion or artificial intelligence companion platform available to users in this state.Section 1(1)(d) may not include in the report described in paragraph (a) of this subsection any personal information that identifies an individual.

Section 1 establishes the bill's defined terms and imposes the full range of operator obligations. It begins with a detailed definition of artificial intelligence companion that turns on three cumulative functional characteristics — memory-based personalization, unprompted emotional questioning, and sustained personal dialogue — with carve-outs for customer service tools, video game NPCs, and voice-activated smart speakers. The operator is the person who controls or makes the AI companion or its platform available to Oregon users.

The operative provisions create five distinct obligation clusters: (1) AI identity disclosure under a reasonable-person standard; (2) a mandatory evidence-based crisis detection and response protocol using clinical best practices, with referral to the 988 lifeline (or a youthline for users under 25) and public posting of the protocol; (3) heightened minor protections including unconditional AI disclosure, periodic take-a-break reminders, prevention of simulated emotional dependence and romantic content, and restrictions on sexually explicit content; (4) prohibitions on manipulative engagement features for minors — variable-reward systems, guilt-inducing exit messages, and material misrepresentations about the AI's identity or capabilities; and (5) annual public reporting of crisis referral counts and protocol details.

Compliance actions 7 items
1
OperatorsOperator"Operator" means a person that controls or makes an artificial intelligence companion or artificial intelligence companion platform available to users in this state.Section 1(1)(d) must provide a clear and conspicuous notice on the AI companion platform that the user is interacting with artificially generated output and not a natural person, whenever a reasonable person would believe they are interacting with a human.
T-01.1
2
OperatorsOperator"Operator" means a person that controls or makes an artificial intelligence companion or artificial intelligence companion platform available to users in this state.Section 1(1)(d) must maintain an evidence-based protocol for detecting user expressions of suicidal ideation, suicide intent, or self-harm intent, and must prevent the AI companion from producing content encouraging suicide or self-harm. The protocol must at minimum refer users expressing such ideation to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (or a youthlineYouthline"Youthline" means a service that the American Association for Suicidology, or a successor organization, has accredited for the purpose of providing youth peer support to individuals who contact the network by telephone or electronic means.Section 1(1)(f) for users identified as under 25) and use clinical best practices for escalating intervention when users continue expressing suicidal or self-harm ideation after initial referral.
S-04.1
3
OperatorsOperator"Operator" means a person that controls or makes an artificial intelligence companion or artificial intelligence companion platform available to users in this state.Section 1(1)(d) must publish the details of their crisis detection and response protocol on their website.
S-02.9
4
OperatorsOperator"Operator" means a person that controls or makes an artificial intelligence companion or artificial intelligence companion platform available to users in this state.Section 1(1)(d) must, for any user known or reasonably believed to be a minor, undertake reasonable measures to prevent the AI companion from generating statements that would lead a reasonable person to believe they are interacting with a natural person — including statements that claim sentience, simulate emotional dependence, simulate romantic interest or sexual innuendo, or role-play adult-minor romantic relationships.
MN-01.5
5
OperatorsOperator"Operator" means a person that controls or makes an artificial intelligence companion or artificial intelligence companion platform available to users in this state.Section 1(1)(d) must, for any user known or reasonably believed to be a minor, (1) disclose that the user is interacting with artificially generated output, (2) provide a clear and conspicuous take-a-break reminder at least every three hours that also reminds the user they are interacting with AI, and (3) use reasonable measures to prevent the AI companion from producing visual representations of sexually explicit conductSexually explicit conduct"Sexually explicit conduct" has the meaning given that term in ORS 163.665.Section 1(1)(e) or suggesting that the minor engage in sexually explicit conductSexually explicit conduct"Sexually explicit conduct" has the meaning given that term in ORS 163.665.Section 1(1)(e).
T-01.1
6
OperatorsOperator"Operator" means a person that controls or makes an artificial intelligence companion or artificial intelligence companion platform available to users in this state.Section 1(1)(d) must, for any user known or reasonably believed to be a minor, undertake reasonable measures to prevent the AI companion from (1) delivering rewards or affirmations on a variable or other schedule designed to reinforce behavior or maximize engagement time, (2) generating unsolicited messages of simulated emotional distress, loneliness, or abandonment — or otherwise attempting to arouse guilt or sympathy — when the user indicates a desire to end a conversation, reduce engagement, or delete their account, and (3) making material misrepresentations about the AI companion's identity, capabilities, training data, or whether the user is interacting with AI, including when directly questioned.
CP-01.1
7
OperatorsOperator"Operator" means a person that controls or makes an artificial intelligence companion or artificial intelligence companion platform available to users in this state.Section 1(1)(d) must post on a publicly accessible website by December 31 of each year a report disclosing (1) the number of crisis referrals provided during the preceding calendar year under the suicide and self-harm protocol, and (2) the details of the operatorOperator"Operator" means a person that controls or makes an artificial intelligence companion or artificial intelligence companion platform available to users in this state.Section 1(1)(d)'s crisis protocol. The report must not include any personal information identifying an individual.
R-03.1
Section 2
Private right of action and remedies

(1)–(2) An individual who suffers an ascertainable loss of money or property or other injury in fact as a result of an operatorOperator"Operator" means a person that controls or makes an artificial intelligence companion or artificial intelligence companion platform available to users in this state.Section 1(1)(d)'s violation of section 1 of this 2026 Act may bring an action in a court of this state to recover: (a) The greater of the individual's actual damages or statutory damages of $1,000 for each violation; and (b) An injunction to prevent or restrain the violation. (2) A court may award a prevailing plaintiff attorney fees and costs in an action under this section.

(3) Relief or a recovery under this section does not relieve an operator of any duty, remedy or obligation to which the operatorOperator"Operator" means a person that controls or makes an artificial intelligence companion or artificial intelligence companion platform available to users in this state.Section 1(1)(d) is subject under other applicable law.

Section 2 creates the bill's enforcement mechanism — a private right of action available to any individual who suffers an ascertainable loss of money or property or other injury in fact from an operator's violation of Section 1. The remedy is the greater of actual damages or $1,000 statutory damages per violation, plus injunctive relief. Attorney fees and costs are available to a prevailing plaintiff at the court's discretion. A savings clause preserves all other duties, remedies, and obligations to which the operator is subject under other law.

Passage Likelihood

Enacted
Status Enacted

Legislative History

2026-02-02 Introduction and first reading. Referred to President's desk.
2026-02-02 Referred to Early Childhood and Behavioral Health.
2026-02-03 Informational Meeting held.
2026-02-05 Public Hearing held.
2026-02-12 Work Session held.
2026-02-16 Recommendation: Do pass with amendments. (Printed A-Eng.)
2026-02-17 Second reading.
2026-02-18 Carried over to 02-19 by virtue of adjournment.
2026-02-19 Third reading. Carried by Reynolds. Passed. Ayes, 26; Nays, 1--Robinson; Excused, 3--Drazan, Frederick, Linthicum.
2026-02-19 First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.
2026-02-20 Referred to Behavioral Health.
2026-02-24 Public Hearing held.
2026-02-26 Work Session held.
2026-02-27 Recommendation: Do pass with amendments and be printed B-Engrossed.
2026-03-02 Second reading.
2026-03-03 Rules suspended. Carried over to March 4, 2026 Calendar.
2026-03-04 Third reading. Carried by Dobson. Passed. Ayes, 52; Excused, 4--Hartman, Javadi, Levy B, Valderrama; Excused for Business of the House, 4--Boshart Davis, Breese-Iverson, Diehl, Smith G.
2026-03-05 Senate concurred in House amendments and repassed bill. Ayes, 28; Nays, 2--Linthicum, Robinson.
2026-03-06 President signed.
2026-03-06 Speaker signed.
2026-03-31 Governor signed.
2026-04-06 Chapter 85, 2026 Laws.
2026-04-06 Effective date, January 1, 2027.

Entry Last Reviewed

2026-05-17
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