Proposition 130 – Funding for Law Enforcement Including Additional Death Benefits

Prop 130 requires the state to
1) set aside $350M in additional funding for local law enforcement agencies for recruitment and retention and
2) provide a one-time $1M death benefit to the family of a state or local law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty.

Because Prop 130 does not increase state revenue, the $350M would reduce funding for other state needs. Prop 130 does not provide a timeline for the state to provide the $350M.

The death benefits section of Prop 130 would continue after the $350M is spent and is estimated to cost $4M annually.

Recommendation: No

If additional funding for law enforcement paid for itself by generating $350M in revenue, or if (additional funding for) law enforcement alone were shown to be effective in reducing crime, then Prop 130 would deserve more consideration. A comprehensive measure to address all the facets of making a community safer, including focusing on social workers and access to housing and healthcare is needed rather than a law-enforcement-only approach.

Website for the Yes Side (Advance Colorado)
https://www.advancecolorado.org/2024ballot/

Website for the No Side (Coloradans for Smart Justice)
https://www.coloradansforsmartjustice.org/no-on-130


Approved Ballot Language
Proposition 130 (STATUTORY)

Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes concerning state funding for peace officer training and support, and, in connection therewith, directing the legislature to appropriate 350 million dollars to the peace officer training and support fund for municipal and county law enforcement agencies to hire and retain peace officers; allowing the fund to be used for pay, bonuses, initial and continuing education and training, and a death benefit for a peace officer, police, fire and first responder killed in the line of duty; and requiring the funding to supplement existing appropriations?

YES/FOR ___
NO/AGAINST ___

Prop 130 initiative language filed with the Secretary of State
https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/Initiatives/titleBoard/filings/2023-2024/157FinalCorrected.pdf