The 2026 Oregon Legislative Session is underway, and Lines for Life is actively advocating for policies that protect mental health, prevent substance abuse, and keep our communities safe. Here’s how we’re working to create lasting change and how you can help.
Why Legislative Advocacy Matters
At Lines for Life, we know crisis intervention saves lives. But prevention is equally important. It’s why we advocate for policies that address emerging threats, close dangerous gaps in care, and ensure every Oregonian has access to the support they need.
This year’s short legislative session runs through March 9, 2026, and we’re focused on two key bills that could significantly impact mental health and substance abuse prevention in Oregon.
The Bills We’re Championing
Senate Bill 1546: Protecting Oregonians from AI Companion Risks
What it does: SB 1546 would regulate artificial intelligence chatbots to protect youth and people in crisis.
The problem: 72% of teens use AI companions, with more than 50% as regular users. These chatbots are increasingly being used for emotional support and mental health conversations — but they’re not equipped to recognize crisis. There have been multiple cases of AI chatbots contributing to teen suicides, and our YouthLine volunteers are seeing the impact firsthand: they’re increasingly having to reassure callers they’re speaking to a real person, not AI.
SB 1546 would require AI platforms to:
- Detect signs of suicidal ideation and self-harm.
- Immediately refer users to crisis resources like 988.
- Interrupt harmful conversations.
- Remind users more frequently they’re talking to AI, not a human.
- Note platforms may not be suitable for minors.
Sen. Lisa Reynolds is working with Lines for Life to ensure AI platforms connect users in crisis to resources like 988 and YouthLine. As our CEO Dwight Holton stated in a recent Portland Tribune article: “We know that intervention works. So, if we can convince our partners in the industry and legislatively establish guardrails that require that kind of connection to intervention, we will get folks from that path of despair to a path of hope.”
Bill status: Passed Senate Early Childhood and Behavioral Health Committee 4-1; advancing to Senate floor.
Senate Bill 1571: Protecting Youth from Unregulated Nicotine Pouches
What it does: SB 1571 would expand the definition of nicotine products and prohibit online sales to anyone other than licensed distributors and retailers.
The problem: Nicotine pouches are flavored, easily concealed, and growing in popularity. These products, like Zyn, are marketed with youth-appealing flavors and can be purchased online with minimal age verification. According to Deschutes County Public Health Advisory Board testimony, “There is no oversight or safeguards in place and youth can now shop online for the best deal they can find in their favorite flavor with very few obstacles.”
The result: A 250% sales increase in oral nicotine products, with youth particularly vulnerable to addiction. Nicotine can be one of the most difficult addictions to overcome, and early use significantly increases lifetime addiction risk.
SB 1571 would close the online sales loophole by requiring all tobacco and nicotine product sales to occur in person at licensed businesses. This ensures age verification and reduces youth access.
Deborah Dedrickson, our senior advisor for substance use prevention services, has provided testimony in support of this bill, emphasizing the critical need to protect youth from predatory marketing and easy access to addictive products. Because prevention works. When we make it harder for young people to access addictive substances, we reduce lifetime addiction rates and the associated mental health impacts.
Why These Bills Matter to Lines for Life’s Mission
Every day, we answer thousands of crisis calls, texts, and chats from Oregonians seeking support. We train community members to recognize and respond to suicide risks. We provide support to youth, veterans, seniors, and people struggling with substance abuse. But we know crisis response alone isn’t enough. We have to address the root causes and systemic barriers that drive people to crisis in the first place.
How You Can Take Action
Legislative advocacy works when community voices join together. Here’s how you can support these bills:
1. Contact Your Legislators
Find your legislators at oregonlegislature.gov. Call or email to express your support for: SB 1546 (AI chatbot regulation) and SB 1571 (nicotine pouch regulation).
2. Share Your Story
Personal stories are powerful. If you or someone you love has been impacted in relation to these bills, consider sharing your story with your legislators.
3. Stay Informed
Follow the progress of these bills:
- Track legislation at oregonlegislature.gov.
- Follow Lines for Life to stay updated on our advocacy work through our newsletter and social media platforms.
We’re grateful to the legislators championing these bills, to the advocates showing up, and to the community members who use their voices to demand better mental health policy. Together, we’re creating an Oregon where prevention and support go hand-in-hand. Thank you for being part of this critical work.
