Statewide ballot measure
Proposition 132 (Initiative 85): Increasing criminal penalties for fentanyl and certain synthetic opioids
On the November 3, 2026 ballot
- Ballot number
- Proposition 132
- Filed as
- Initiative 85
- Type of measure (Legislative Council)
- Statutory
The ballot question
Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes concerning criminal penalties for fentanyl and certain synthetic opioids, and, in connection therewith, increasing the felony classifications of drug-related crimes for distribution, manufacturing, dispensing, sale, or possession of fentanyl and certain synthetic opioids; creating mandated treatment for certain drug felony violations based on possession amount; and changing sentencing provisions to narrow or eliminate exemptions for crimes related to fentanyl and certain synthetic opioids and drug-related deaths?
What a vote does
- A yes vote means
- Manufacturing, selling or distributing any amount of a material containing fentanyl would become a level 1 drug felony, punishable by 8 to 32 years in prison. Possessing one gram or less would become a level 4 treatment-mandated drug felony; more than one gram and up to four grams would become a level 3 drug felony. The measure would take effect January 1, 2027.
- A no vote means
- Colorado’s current drug-felony classifications, sentencing rules and habitual-criminal provisions would remain in effect.
Figures from the fiscal estimate
- Takes effect: January 1, 2027
- If voters approve the measure.
- Level 1 drug felony: 8–32 years
- At least 12 years when a listed aggravating circumstance applies.
- Estimated state cost: $856,770
- Fiscal year 2026-27; $4,916,953 in 2027-28.
Legislative Council ballot analysis
Official documents
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Key dates
- October 2 to October 9: county clerks mail ballots to active voters.
- October 12: drop boxes open.
- October 26: last suggested day to return a ballot by mail.
- From October 27: return your ballot to a drop box or vote center instead of mailing it.
- November 3, 2026, Election Day: ballots are due by 7:00 p.m.
Page updated September 29, 2026