Policy and Advocacy
Lines for Life works with bipartisan policy advocates at the state and federal levels to advance legislative policy that is research-driven and supports our mission — preventing substance abuse and suicide and promoting mental wellness.
Recent Legislative Victories
Lines for Life championed two critical bills in Oregon’s 2026 legislative session that address emerging threats to youth mental health and public health. Both bills passed the Oregon House and Senate and are awaiting Gov. Tina Kotek’s signature.
AI Chatbot Safety (SB 1546)
Young people are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence chatbots for emotional support, with devasting consequences. Research shows 72% of teens use AI companions, with more than half as regular users. Tragically, there have been multiple cases of AI chatbots contributing to teen suicides.
SB 1546 requires AI companion platforms to detect signs of suicidal ideation and self-harm, immediately refer users experiencing crisis to resources like 988, implement additional protections when the user is a minor and report annually to the Oregon Health Authority on crisis referrals.
Youth Nicotine Prevention (SB 1571)
Nicotine pouches — flavored products like Zyn that are marketed with youth-appealing flavors — can be purchased online with minimal age verification. Oregon currently has no state law restricting the sale of these products, even to kids.
SB 1571 closes this dangerous loophole by expanding the definition of nicotine products to include pouches, prohibiting online sales to anyone other than licensed distributors and retailers, and aligning nicotine pouch regulations with existing protections for cigarettes, e-cigarettes and vape products.
This legislation protects young Oregonians from Big Tobacco’s latest tactic to hook a new generation on nicotine. If signed, SB 1546 will take effect Jan. 1, 2027, and SB 1571’s effective date will be determined by the final language of the bill.
Ongoing Legislative Advocacy
988 – The Three-Digit Number for Suicide Prevention
Lines for Life is now Oregon’s home for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. As part of a nationwide partnership, Lines for Life advocated for the adoption and implementation of this service, launched in July 2022.
This historic decision to implement and adopt a “911 for mental health crisis” boosts awareness and memorability for the Lifeline, reduces stigma, and normalizes seeking help. The launch of 988 has dramatically increased the number of calls to the Lifeline network, formerly the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Lines for Life answers over 150,000 Oregon calls, chats and texts to the Lifeline each year, and this number only continues to grow.
We continue to advocate for local, state, and federal policies that will help to build an accessible and responsible system for behavioral health crisis response in Oregon and beyond.
Adi’s Act
In 2019, Lines for Life partnered with Basic Rights Oregon and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to promote the passage of Adi’s Act – a law that requires schools to create and maintain plans for suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention in their school communities. See our work related to implementation here, on the School Suicide Prevention & Wellness page.
Your Voice Matters
Policy change is just one piece of building a healthier Oregon. The real work of protecting Oregonians’ mental health happens when advocates like you make their voices heard.
How to Take Action:
Contact Gov. Kotek and urge her to sign SB 1546 and SB 1571. Personal stories are powerful. If you or someone you love has been impacted by AI chatbots or youth nicotine use, share your story.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 503-378-4582
Stay connected with your legislators year-round. Let them know behavioral health is a priority for you. Find your legislators at oregonlegislature.gov and share how these issues affect your community.
Track legislation and stay informed about behavioral health policy in Oregon by following bills at oregonlegislature.gov.
Sign up to join our Legislative Action Team and be alerted when in-person lobby days, letter and phone campaigns, or other direct action is needed to make change in our communities.
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We need your help! Your legislators need to hear about what these issues mean to you.