Proposition 132: Increase Penalties for Fentanyl Crimes

What It Would Do

Proposition 132 would make possession of any amount of fentanyl or related synthetic opioids a felony — currently, possessing under 1 gram with no intent to distribute carries no prison time. It would also require a mandatory 8–32 year prison sentence for distributing any amount of fentanyl, replacing the current system where sentences are tiered by weight (today, that 8–32 year range only applies above 50 grams). The measure narrows "Good Samaritan" protections that reduce penalties for people who call for help during an overdose, eliminating them for distribution offenses while keeping them for low-level possession. People caught with under 1 gram could have a felony reduced to a misdemeanor by completing court-ordered treatment.

Fiscal Impact

Per the state's official Blue Book analysis, the measure is estimated to increase state spending by about $0.9 million in its first budget year, rising to about $8.9 million in year two as more people are imprisoned, and reaching an estimated $68.2 million in additional annual state spending by year five — driven mainly by prison costs. It would also generate a small amount of new revenue from fines (roughly $23,000 in year one, $73,000 a year after that) and increase costs for county-funded district attorneys.

Why We're Voting No

Boulder Progressives opposes Proposition 132 because it would lean on harsher mandatory prison sentences rather than the treatment and public-health investments that are proven more effective at actually reducing overdose deaths and addiction.

Sources: 2026 Colorado State Ballot Information Booklet (Blue Book), Legislative Council Staff; Axios Denver; Hoodline.