NEWS BRIEF
Colorado Public Radio reports that Proposition 132 would make possession of any amount of fentanyl a felony and increase penalties for distribution-related offenses involving fentanyl and certain synthetic opioids. The measure also includes treatment provisions that could allow some lower-level possession convictions to be vacated after treatment completion.
The proposal would alter current provisions for people who did not know a substance contained fentanyl. A legislative analysis estimated implementation costs at about $9 million initially, with total state spending projected to increase by roughly $68 million as incarceration periods increase. Supporters and opponents disagree about whether the measure would reduce overdose deaths and how it would affect treatment and enforcement.
What to know
If approved by voters, Proposition 132 would make any fentanyl possession a felony, change sentencing rules for certain fentanyl offenses, and include treatment-related provisions. Its projected costs and potential effects on overdose response are disputed.
Reporting: Akian · Colorado Public Radio · 09-25-2026
