Colorado Voters Face 14 Ballot Measures Spanning Fentanyl Sentencing And Tax Overhauls

Fourteen Measures Headed to Colorado Voters

Colorado voters will decide 14 statewide ballot measures this November. The count matches 2024 for the most in recent state history.

The all-time record still belongs to 1912, when voters faced 32 measures.

Several measures are backed by the special interest group Advance Colorado. Others come from the group Protect Kids Colorado.

Initiative 95 addresses law enforcement reporting to federal authorities.

Proponents and opponents are actively making their cases.

Fentanyl Sentencing and Immigration Reporting

Initiative 85 would make the sale of any amount of fentanyl a Class 1 felony, punishable by up to 32 years in prison. It would also mandate court-ordered substance use treatment for possession of up to 1 gram.

Proponents, including law enforcement agencies and some district attorneys, say the measure is needed to reduce opioid overdoses. The CDC says overdoses are the leading cause of death for 18-to-44-year-olds.

Opponents, including the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, say the measure would not increase penalties for the highest-level traffickers. A nonpartisan legislative council estimate found it could add 900 prisoners per year, costing about $433 million over five years.

Initiative 95 would amend the constitution to require law enforcement to notify federal immigration officials when charging someone in the country illegally with a violent crime. The practice has been prohibited under state law since 2019.

Rocky Mountain Equality and the Bell Policy Center oppose it. “This initiative is not about public safety; it’s about fear and targeting,” said Bruce Parker, executive director of Rocky Mountain Equality.

Trafficking Penalties and Sports Teams

Initiative 108 would establish mandatory life sentences for sexual trafficking of a minor. The current penalty is a Class 2 felony with an eight-year minimum and 24-year maximum.

Six states now impose mandatory life sentences without parole for such crimes. Proponents argue the harsh sentence could deter trafficking.

Opponents say sentencing decisions should remain with judges. They warn the measure could affect trafficking victims forced to participate.

Initiative 109 would require students to play on sports teams matching their biological sex. An exception allows female athletes to join boys’ teams when no girls’ team exists.

Voters will render their decisions in November.

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