---
title: "Proposition 132: Increase Penalties for Fentanyl Crimes | The Scoop on Colorado’s November 2026 Proposed Measures – Part 9 of 14"
description: Colorado Proposition 132’s proposed fentanyl penalties, arguments for and against, and what a yes or no vote means | Links to all 2026 election measures
image: https://whatsupamericans.com/hubfs/Colorado%20Proposition%20132.png
---

[Skip to content](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/proposition-132-2026-election#main-content)

- [HOME](https://whatsupamericans.com)
- [INTERVIEWS](https://whatsupamericans.com/interviews)
- [TALK TO US](https://whatsupamericans.com/interview-sign-up)
- [PRIVACY](https://whatsupamericans.com/privacy)
- [TERMS OF USE](https://whatsupamericans.com/terms)
- [CONTACT](https://whatsupamericans.com/contact)
- [BLOG](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog)

 Oct 16, 2026, 4:29:09 PM

# Proposition 132: Increase Penalties for Fentanyl Crimes | The Scoop on Colorado’s November 2026 Proposed Measures – Part 9 of 14

[Marek Bobik](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/author/marek-bobik)

Share: [facebook-f icon](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/proposition-132-2026-election) [linkedin-in icon](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/proposition-132-2026-election) [Twitter icon](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/proposition-132-2026-election) [pinterest-p icon](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/proposition-132-2026-election) [envelope icon](mailto:?body=https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/proposition-132-2026-election)

Before digging into Proposition 132, I looked into the fentanyl drug itself to get an idea of what effect the drug has, and understand how deadly (or not) it is.

## Fentanyl Quick Facts

> One kilo of Fentanyl can potentially kill 500,000 people.

**There is no single dose that is fatal for everyone—and no reliable body-weight formula for predicting one.** The DEA commonly cites **2 milligrams of fentanyl as a potentially lethal amount**, but explicitly notes that risk depends on body size, tolerance, and previous use. Its laboratory report also warns that substantially smaller amounts can cause death in someone without opioid tolerance. **The 2-milligram figure is a public-safety warning, not a threshold below which fentanyl is safe.** ([dea.gov](https://www.dea.gov/resources/facts-about-fentanyl?enableDeviceSpecificMedia=rvhv2&lang=en-US&utm_source=openai))

Fentanyl overdoses kill primarily by **slowing or stopping breathing**, depriving the brain and other organs of oxygen. ([cdc.gov](https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/manage-treat-pain/reduce-risks.html?utm_source=openai))

### Does the person’s weight matter?

Body size can influence fentanyl’s effects, but **weight alone cannot predict whether an exposure will be fatal**. Opioid tolerance, other drugs, underlying health conditions, and how the substance enters the body also affect the outcome. A larger person is not protected from overdose simply by weighing more. ([dea.gov](https://www.dea.gov/resources/facts-about-fentanyl?enableDeviceSpecificMedia=rvhv2&lang=en-US&utm_source=openai))

**There is no clinically reliable “deadly milligrams per kilogram” ratio for an individual.** In particular, you should not take the DEA’s 2-milligram warning, divide it by an assumed average weight, and scale it to another person. That would turn a general warning into a personalized prediction it cannot support. ([dea.gov](https://www.dea.gov/resources/facts-about-fentanyl?enableDeviceSpecificMedia=rvhv2&lang=en-US&utm_source=openai))

### Common contributing factors

These factors frequently overlap; an overdose does not necessarily have just one cause.

| Factor | Why it increases danger |
| --- | --- |
| **Unknown strength or composition** | Illicit powders and counterfeit pills can contain unexpectedly high amounts of fentanyl. Appearance, smell, and taste cannot establish whether fentanyl is present or how much is present. ([cdc.gov](https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/about/fentanyl.html?utm_source=openai)) |
| **Taking fentanyl unknowingly** | Someone may believe they are taking another drug, such as cocaine, heroin, or a legitimate-looking prescription pill, without realizing it contains fentanyl. ([cdc.gov](https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/about/fentanyl.html?utm_source=openai)) |
| **Little or no opioid tolerance** | People without tolerance can experience severe effects at amounts that someone with greater tolerance might survive. Tolerance does not make use safe. ([dea.gov](https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2022-08/FPP%20Report%20CY%202021_DEA.gov_.pdf?utm_source=openai)) |
| **Loss of tolerance after a break** | Returning to a previously used amount after abstinence, treatment, hospitalization, or incarceration can be especially dangerous because tolerance may have decreased. ([cdc.gov](https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/media/pdfs/2024/04/SAMHSA-overdose-prevention-response-toolkit.pdf)) |
| **Alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other sedatives** | These substances can compound opioids’ suppression of breathing. Other opioids, sleep medicines, and muscle relaxants can also increase risk. ([cdc.gov](https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/manage-treat-pain/patients-faqs.html?utm_source=openai)) |
| **Taking more or taking it more frequently** | Higher exposure increases overdose risk, including taking additional amounts before earlier doses have worn off. ([cdc.gov](https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/manage-treat-pain/patients-faqs.html?utm_source=openai)) |
| **Underlying medical conditions and older age** | Sleep apnea, other breathing problems, reduced kidney or liver function, and older age can increase vulnerability to opioid-related harm. ([cdc.gov](https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/hcp/clinical-care/assess-risks-of-opioid-use.html?utm_source=openai)) |
| **Using alone or delayed emergency help** | Without someone present to recognize an overdose, administer naloxone, and call for help, a potentially reversible overdose may become fatal. ([cdc.gov](https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/media/pdfs/2024/04/SAMHSA-overdose-prevention-response-toolkit.pdf)) |

### An important distinction: fentanyl versus the mixture

**The weight of a pill or powder is not the same as the amount of fentanyl it contains.** The DEA’s warning concerns the amount of fentanyl itself—not the total weight of a pill or a mixture containing other ingredients. Illicit products vary in composition, so total weight alone cannot tell you how much fentanyl someone would receive. ([dea.gov](https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/2025NationalDrugThreatAssessment.pdf?utm_source=openai))

## Proposition 132 Introduction

Should Colorado impose tougher penalties for fentanyl offenses—including mandatory prison sentences for distributing even small amounts—or maintain its current approach, which gives judges more flexibility?

On **November 3, 2026**, Colorado voters will decide **Proposition 132: Increase Penalties for Fentanyl Crimes**. The citizen-initiated proposal would change state statutes, not the Colorado Constitution, and requires a **simple majority** to pass. ([leg.colorado.gov](https://www.leg.colorado.gov/ballots/increase-penalties-for-fentanyl-crimes-2))

The central distinction is this: **Proposition 132 does not apply only to large-scale drug traffickers.** It also increases penalties for personal possession and small-scale distribution, including sharing drugs. ([content.leg.colorado.gov](https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2026-bluebook-english-accessible_1.pdf))

## What Your Vote Means

### A “YES” vote on Proposition 132

A **YES vote** would make unlawful possession of any amount of fentanyl a felony, establish mandatory prison sentences of **8 to 32 years** for distributing any amount, and eliminate certain opportunities for reduced penalties. A treatment-based reduction would remain available for qualifying low-level possession offenses. ([content.leg.colorado.gov](https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2026-bluebook-english-accessible_1.pdf))

### A “NO” vote on Proposition 132

A **NO vote** would preserve current law: misdemeanor charges for some low-level possession offenses, quantity-based felony classifications for distribution, and existing opportunities for reduced penalties. **Voting NO would not legalize fentanyl possession or distribution.** ([content.leg.colorado.gov](https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2026-bluebook-english-accessible_1.pdf))

## Official Ballot Language

The Secretary of State’s official ballot title asks voters whether to increase felony classifications for fentanyl-related possession, manufacturing, dispensing, sale, and distribution; establish treatment requirements for certain possession offenses; and narrow or eliminate sentencing exceptions. This is a summary, not a verbatim reproduction. ([coloradosos.gov](https://coloradosos.gov/pubs/elections/Initiatives/titleBoard/results/2025-2026/85Results.html))

**Read the complete wording:** [Colorado Secretary of State — Official ballot title for Initiative 85, now Proposition 132](https://coloradosos.gov/pubs/elections/Initiatives/titleBoard/results/2025-2026/85Results.html).

## Official Proposition Language: What Would Actually Change?

The proposal covers **fentanyl, carfentanil, benzimidazole opiates, and specified analogs**. Its effective date would be **January 1, 2027**. Authorized medical activities remain excepted; this is not a proposal to criminalize properly prescribed fentanyl. 

**Full legal text:** [Colorado Secretary of State — Final text of Initiative 85](https://coloradosos.gov/pubs/elections/Initiatives/titleBoard/filings/2025-2026/85Final.pdf).

### Current law compared with Proposition 132

The following table summarizes ordinary classifications and prison ranges. Special circumstances, prior convictions, and statutory exceptions can change the result. **“Possible” prison time is not the same as a mandatory prison sentence.** ([leg.colorado.gov](https://www.leg.colorado.gov/ballots/increase-penalties-for-fentanyl-crimes-2/files/blue-book))

| Conduct | Current law | Under Proposition 132 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlawful possession of **1 gram or less**, generally for a first, second, or third offense | Level 1 drug misdemeanor | Level 4 treatment-mandated drug felony |
| Unlawful possession of **more than 1 gram, up to 4 grams** | Level 4 drug felony; ordinary prison range of 6–12 months | Level 3 drug felony; ordinary prison range of 2–4 years |
| Distribution of **4 grams or less** | Generally a level 3 drug felony; possible 2–4 years in prison | Level 1 drug felony; mandatory 8–32 years |
| Distribution of **more than 4 grams, up to 50 grams** | Generally a level 2 drug felony; possible 4–8 years in prison | Level 1 drug felony; mandatory 8–32 years |
| Distribution of **more than 50 grams** | Level 1 drug felony; mandatory 8–32 years | Same basic classification and prison range |

The exact quantity boundaries come from the statutes and proposed text; the ordinary sentencing ranges are summarized in the official Blue Book. ([olls.info](https://olls.info/crs/crs2026-title-18.pdf))

### Which actions would trigger the higher distribution penalties?

The proposal’s distribution provisions cover knowingly:

- Manufacturing, dispensing, selling, or distributing a covered substance.
- Possessing it **with intent** to manufacture, dispense, sell, or distribute it.
- Engaging in specified inducement or conspiracy conduct involving those activities. ([coloradosos.gov](https://coloradosos.gov/pubs/elections/Initiatives/titleBoard/filings/2025-2026/85Final.pdf))

**Money does not have to change hands.** Colorado’s existing statutory definition of a sale includes gifts and exchanges, with or without payment. Sharing a covered drug can therefore involve distribution—not merely personal possession. ([olls.info](https://olls.info/crs/crs2026-title-18.pdf))

As an illustration, giving another person a fentanyl-containing pill could fall within the enhanced distribution provisions if the prosecution proves the required elements. A completed sale, a large quantity, or an overdose death would not be necessary to trigger the basic mandatory distribution sentence. ([coloradosos.gov](https://coloradosos.gov/pubs/elections/Initiatives/titleBoard/filings/2025-2026/85Final.pdf))

### The weight means the mixture—not just the fentanyl

For these quantity thresholds, the relevant weight is the **whole substance containing fentanyl**, including other ingredients—not only the fentanyl within it. That distinction matters when evaluating pills or drugs mixed with fentanyl. ([content.leg.colorado.gov](https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2026-bluebook-english-accessible_1.pdf))

### What if someone did not know the substance contained fentanyl?

Current law provides a misdemeanor outcome for certain possession cases when the factfinder accepts evidence of a reasonable mistake about the presence of fentanyl. Proposition 132 removes that specific protection. This is different from eliminating the requirement to prove knowing possession of a controlled substance. ([olls.info](https://olls.info/crs/crs2026-title-18.pdf))

### What happens to treatment and overdose-reporting protections?

For the lowest possession tier, the proposal creates a treatment-mandated felony with a route to a misdemeanor after successful treatment. It removes treatment-based reductions for the higher possession tier and eliminates the existing Good Samaritan misdemeanor reduction for fentanyl distribution. **It does not repeal every overdose-reporting protection:** the official analysis identifies protections that remain for low-level possession. ([leg.colorado.gov](https://www.leg.colorado.gov/ballots/increase-penalties-for-fentanyl-crimes-2/files/blue-book))

The proposal also removes an exemption from habitual-criminal sentencing provisions for certain fentanyl possession convictions. ([coloradosos.gov](https://coloradosos.gov/pubs/elections/Initiatives/titleBoard/filings/2025-2026/85Final.pdf))

## Sponsors and Designated Representatives

The Secretary of State identifies **Suzanne Taheri and Michael Fields** as the designated representatives for Initiative 85, which became Proposition 132. The filing record lists it as qualified for the 2026 ballot. ([coloradosos.gov](https://coloradosos.gov/pubs/elections/Initiatives/titleBoard/index.html))

Colorado Public Radio identifies **Advance Colorado** as the organization behind the initiative. Its reporting includes both supporters seeking stronger accountability and opponents concerned about criminalizing addiction. ([cpr.org](https://www.cpr.org/2026/09/25/vg-2026-prop-132-increase-fentanyl-penalties/))

**Official filing record:** [Colorado Secretary of State — 2025–2026 initiatives, Initiative 85](https://coloradosos.gov/pubs/elections/Initiatives/titleBoard/index.html).

## The Case for Voting YES on Proposition 132

*The arguments below are attributed positions reported by independent news organizations—not guarantees about what the measure would accomplish.*

### Stronger penalties could hold distributors accountable

Reporting by the Colorado Capitol News Alliance describes supporters’ view that existing penalties do not adequately confront fentanyl distribution. District Attorney George Brauchler argues for a much less tolerant approach toward people supplying the drug. Supporters see stronger consequences as a way to protect communities and respond to families’ losses. ([coloradosun.com](https://coloradosun.com/2025/11/20/colorado-fentanyl-ballot-measure-2026/?utm_source=openai))

**Counterargument:** The same reporting describes critics’ concern that broader felony penalties would send people with addiction to prison when they need treatment. The disagreement is not whether fentanyl is dangerous, but whether this response would reduce its harm. ([coloradosun.com](https://coloradosun.com/2025/11/20/colorado-fentanyl-ballot-measure-2026/?utm_source=openai))

### Court-ordered treatment could encourage earlier intervention

Advance Colorado’s Kristi Burton Brown told CPR that allowing low-level offenders to reduce a felony through treatment could encourage people to seek help sooner. Brauchler also described the measure as balancing punishment with assistance. ([cpr.org](https://www.cpr.org/2026/09/25/vg-2026-prop-132-increase-fentanyl-penalties/))

**Counterargument:** Opponents interviewed by CPR question that promise because the proposal does not provide new funding for the treatment services on which that approach depends. ([cpr.org](https://www.cpr.org/2026/09/25/vg-2026-prop-132-increase-fentanyl-penalties/))

## The Case for Voting NO on Proposition 132

### More punishment may not address addiction

The Capitol News Alliance reports that physician and researcher Dr. Josh Barocas questions the effectiveness of escalating criminal penalties. Discussing his research on Colorado’s earlier fentanyl law, he said it did not produce a positive effect on overdose deaths. That is a criticism of the punishment-centered approach—not proof of Proposition 132’s future results. ([coloradosun.com](https://coloradosun.com/2025/11/20/colorado-fentanyl-ballot-measure-2026/?utm_source=openai))

**Counterargument:** Supporters interviewed in the same reporting argue that stronger enforcement against fentanyl distribution is necessary to curb its spread and prevent deaths. ([coloradosun.com](https://coloradosun.com/2025/11/20/colorado-fentanyl-ballot-measure-2026/?utm_source=openai))

### Fear of prosecution could discourage emergency calls

CPR reports opponents’ concern that people may hesitate to call 911 or remain with someone experiencing an overdose if they fear serious criminal consequences. Their argument is that an enforcement measure could unintentionally make emergencies more dangerous. ([cpr.org](https://www.cpr.org/2026/09/25/vg-2026-prop-132-increase-fentanyl-penalties/))

**Counterargument:** Supporters frame the proposal as a lifesaving combination of accountability and treatment. Whether those benefits would outweigh the emergency-response concerns remains disputed. ([cpr.org](https://www.cpr.org/2026/09/25/vg-2026-prop-132-increase-fentanyl-penalties/))

### Longer incarceration creates costs without new treatment funding

Colorado Newsline reports that opponents warn of disrupted access to care and greater pressure on prison capacity. Their concern is that the measure expands incarceration without creating a dedicated funding source for corrections or treatment. ([coloradonewsline.com](https://coloradonewsline.com/voter-guides/ballot-measures/proposition-132/))

**Counterargument:** Supporters quoted in Newsline argue that the seriousness of the fentanyl crisis warrants tougher penalties. From that perspective, additional enforcement costs may be justified by the public-safety goal. ([coloradonewsline.com](https://coloradonewsline.com/voter-guides/ballot-measures/proposition-132/))

## Fiscal Impact

The official September 10, 2026 fiscal analysis estimates the following additional state spending:

| Fiscal year | Estimated additional spending |
| --- | --- |
| FY 2026–27 | $876,488 |
| FY 2027–28 | $8,923,227 |
| FY 2028–29 | $24,782,566 |

These costs principally reflect courts, public defenders, and increased incarceration. They are projections based on assumptions about convictions and sentencing—not guaranteed expenses. ([content.leg.colorado.gov](https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2026-fiscal-impact-statements-english-accessible.pdf))

The Blue Book estimates annual additional spending would reach approximately **$68.2 million by year five**. It also identifies possible needs for additional prison space. ([leg.colorado.gov](https://www.leg.colorado.gov/ballots/increase-penalties-for-fentanyl-crimes-2/files/blue-book))

## Conclusion: Proposition 132 Is About More Than Punishing Major Dealers

The strongest **YES** case is that fentanyl warrants a stronger response and that accountability, combined with mandated treatment for low-level possession, could save lives. The strongest **NO** case is that expanding punishment may worsen addiction-related harms while committing more public resources to incarceration. Those are competing expectations, not settled outcomes. ([cpr.org](https://www.cpr.org/2026/09/25/vg-2026-prop-132-increase-fentanyl-penalties/))

My takeaway is that voters should separate three questions:

1. Should people distributing fentanyl face stronger penalties?
2. Should small-scale sharing trigger the same basic mandatory sentence as much larger distribution offenses?
3. Should personal possession be addressed through felony charges, treatment, or a different combination?

Supporting tougher consequences for major traffickers does not automatically answer the other questions. Neither does supporting treatment mean accepting fentanyl distribution.

 

## [Share & Engage](https://leg.colorado.gov/explorebudget)

 

[![Share on facebook](https://7528309.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528309/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](https://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwhatsupamericans.com%2Fblog%2Fproposition-132-2026-election%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on linkedin](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwhatsupamericans.com%2Fblog%2Fproposition-132-2026-election%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on twitter](https://7528304.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528304/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/twitter-color.png?width=24&name=twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwhatsupamericans.com%2Fblog%2Fproposition-132-2026-election%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwhatsupamericans.com%2Fblog%2Fproposition-132-2026-election%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on pinterest](https://7528311.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528311/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/pinterest-color.png?width=24&name=pinterest-color.png)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwhatsupamericans.com%2Fblog%2Fproposition-132-2026-election%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on email](https://7528311.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528311/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/email-color.png?width=24&name=email-color.png)](mailto:?subject=Check+out+https%3A%2F%2Fwhatsupamericans.com%2Fblog%2Fproposition-132-2026-election%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail&body=Check+out+https%3A%2F%2Fwhatsupamericans.com%2Fblog%2Fproposition-132-2026-election%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail)

 

If you find this post useful, [sign up](https://whatsupamericans.com/interview-blog-alert-sign-up) for notifications of the following blog posts. 

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

---

## The Scoop on Colorado’s November 2026 Proposed Measures Series

Links to blog posts on all Colorado Amendments and Measures

1. [Amendment 81: Law Enforcement Communication with Federal Immigration Authorities](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/colorado-amendment-81-2026-election)
2. [Amendment 82: Constitutional Right to Purchase and Sell Natural Gas](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/colorado-amendment-82-2026-election)
3. <https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/colorado-amendment-82-2026-election>[Amendment 83: Constitutional Right to Hunt and Fish](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/colorado-amendment-83-2026-election)
4. [Amendment 84: Mail Ballot Voter Identification](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/colorado-amendment-84-2026-election)
5. [Amendment 85: Plain Language Ballot Titles](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/htcolorado-amendment-85-2026-election)
6. [Amendment 86: Requirements for Off-Cycle Congressional Redistricting](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/colorado-amendment-86-2026-election)
7. [Amendment 87: Graduated Income Tax](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/colorado-amendment-87-2026-election)
8. [Proposition NN](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/proposition-nn-2026-election): Keep and Spend Money for Education and Other Purposes
9. [Proposition 132](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/proposition-132-2026-election): Increase Penalties for Fentanyl Crimes
10. [Proposition 133](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/proposition-133-2026-election): Penalties for Human Trafficking of a Minor
11. [Proposition 134](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/proposition-134-2026-election): Male and Female Participation in School and Collegiate Sports
12. [Proposition 135](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/proposition-135-2026-election): Prohibit Surgery on Minors in Response to Perception of Sex or Gender
13. [Proposition 136](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/proposition-136-2026-election): Income Tax Limit
14. [Proposition 137](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/proposition-137-2026-election): Direct Sporting Goods Sales Tax Revenue for Conservation

## Learn More

### Official wording, laws, and fiscal analysis

- [Colorado General Assembly — Proposition 132](https://www.leg.colorado.gov/ballots/increase-penalties-for-fentanyl-crimes-2)
- [Secretary of State — Official ballot title](https://coloradosos.gov/pubs/elections/Initiatives/titleBoard/results/2025-2026/85Results.html)
- [Secretary of State — Complete proposed statutory text](https://coloradosos.gov/pubs/elections/Initiatives/titleBoard/filings/2025-2026/85Final.pdf)
- [Official Blue Book analysis](https://www.leg.colorado.gov/ballots/increase-penalties-for-fentanyl-crimes-2/files/blue-book)
- [2026 Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 18 — Criminal Code](https://olls.info/crs/crs2026-title-18.pdf)
- [Official 2026 fiscal impact statements — Proposition 132](https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2026-fiscal-impact-statements-english-accessible.pdf)

### Independent reporting on supporting and opposing arguments

- [Colorado Public Radio — Proposition 132 voter guide](https://www.cpr.org/2026/09/25/vg-2026-prop-132-increase-fentanyl-penalties/)
- [Colorado Capitol News Alliance, published by The Colorado Sun — Supporters and critics discuss the initiative](https://coloradosun.com/2025/11/20/colorado-fentanyl-ballot-measure-2026/)
- [Colorado Newsline — Proposition 132 voter guide](https://coloradonewsline.com/voter-guides/ballot-measures/proposition-132/)

[voting](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/tag/voting)

## Related posts

[![Colorado Proposition 134: Male and Female Participation in School and Collegiate Sports](https://whatsupamericans.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Colorado%20Proposition%20134.png?height=200&name=Colorado%20Proposition%20134.png)](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/proposition-134-2026-election)

[voting](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/tag/voting)

## [Proposition 134: Male and Female Participation in School and Collegiate Sports | The Scoop on Colorado’s November 2026 Proposed Measures – Part 11 of 14](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/proposition-134-2026-election)

[Marek Bobik](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/author/marek-bobik) 

 Oct 16, 2026, 6:01:28 PM

Should Colorado establish a statewide biological-sex requirement for school sports—or leave...

[Read more](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/proposition-134-2026-election)

[![Colorado Proposition 133: Penalties for Human Trafficking of a Minor](https://whatsupamericans.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Colorado%20Proposition%20133.png?height=200&name=Colorado%20Proposition%20133.png)](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/proposition-133-2026-election)

[voting](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/tag/voting)

## [Proposition 133: Penalties for Human Trafficking of a Minor | The Scoop on Colorado’s November 2026 Proposed Measures – Part 10 of 14](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/proposition-133-2026-election)

[Marek Bobik](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/author/marek-bobik) 

 Oct 16, 2026, 5:09:04 PM

Should someone convicted of child sex trafficking automatically spend the rest of their life in...

[Read more](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/proposition-133-2026-election)

[![Colorado Proposition 136: Income Tax Rate Limit of 4.4%](https://whatsupamericans.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Colorado%20Proposition%20136.png?height=200&name=Colorado%20Proposition%20136.png)](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/proposition-136-2026-election)

[voting](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/tag/voting)

## [Proposition 136: Income Tax Rate Limit | The Scoop on Colorado’s November 2026 Proposed Measures – Part 13 of 14](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/proposition-136-2026-election)

[Marek Bobik](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/author/marek-bobik) 

 Oct 16, 2026, 7:20:49 PM

Should Colorado establish its current income tax rate as a legal ceiling—or keep existing law...

[Read more](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/proposition-136-2026-election)

facebook-f icon linkedin-in icon Twitter icon instagram icon

- [Our Blog](https://whatsupamericans.com/blog)

- Privacy
- Terms of Use

[![WUA Favicon-1](https://whatsupamericans.com/hubfs/Branding/WUA%20Favicon-1.png "WUA Favicon-1")](https://www.whatsupamericans.com)

---

**9249 S Broadway, Unit 200-536, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129**

Copyright © 2024,

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Marek Bobik",
    "url" : "https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/author/marek-bobik"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2026-10-17T02:38:25.192Z",
  "datePublished" : "2026-10-16T22:29:09.000Z",
  "headline" : "Proposition 132: Increase Penalties for Fentanyl Crimes | The Scoop on Colorado’s November 2026 Proposed Measures – Part 9 of 14",
  "image" : [ "https://whatsupamericans.com/hubfs/Colorado%20Proposition%20132.png" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/proposition-132-2026-election",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://whatsupamericans.com/hubfs/Branding/WUA%20Logo.png"
    },
    "name" : "WhatsUpAmericans.com"
  }
}
```

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@id" : "https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/proposition-132-2026-election#article",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "about" : {
    "@type" : "Thing",
    "description" : "A proposed Colorado statutory measure addressing penalties for fentanyl-related possession and distribution, treatment requirements, and sentencing exceptions.",
    "name" : "Colorado Proposition 132: Increase Penalties for Fentanyl Crimes"
  },
  "articleSection" : "Voting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Marek Bobik"
  },
  "datePublished" : "2026-10-16",
  "description" : "Explore Colorado Proposition 132, including proposed fentanyl penalties, mandatory prison sentences, treatment provisions, fiscal impacts, and arguments for and against.",
  "headline" : "Proposition 132: Increase Penalties for Fentanyl Crimes | The Scoop on Colorado’s November 2026 Proposed Measures – Part 9 of 14",
  "inLanguage" : "en-US",
  "isPartOf" : {
    "@type" : "CreativeWorkSeries",
    "name" : "The Scoop on Colorado’s November 2026 Proposed Measures"
  },
  "keywords" : [ "Colorado Proposition 132", "Colorado 2026 election", "fentanyl crimes", "fentanyl possession", "mandatory prison sentences", "drug treatment", "Initiative 85", "Colorado ballot measures" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/proposition-132-2026-election",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "name" : "Whats Up Americans",
    "url" : "https://whatsupamericans.com/"
  },
  "spatialCoverage" : {
    "@type" : "State",
    "name" : "Colorado"
  },
  "url" : "https://whatsupamericans.com/blog/proposition-132-2026-election"
}
```