Colorado Voters Pass Proposition 132 Making Possession of Any Amount of Fentanyl a Felony

The Associated Press confirmed on Nov. 6 that Colorado's Proposition 132 has passed, making possession of any amount of fentanyl a felony. Groups opposing the measure conceded the night before the AP call. Under the new law, possession of one gram or less of fentanyl becomes a class 4 felony rather than the current misdemeanor treatment for first, second and third offenses; those who complete a drug-treatment program may apply to have the conviction vacated, and people who did not know a substance contained fentanyl can no longer be treated under the misdemeanor track, with sentencing based on quantity. Supporters argue tougher penalties will push users into treatment and save lives; opponents at the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition warn the law could raise overdose deaths because users may fear arrest and avoid calling 911. Legislative analysis estimates implementation will add about $9 million in state spending, rising by roughly $68 million as incarceration grows. Because the measure is statutory, the legislature may adjust it; Governor-elect Phil Weiser has expressed concern and intends to revisit it together with Propositions 133, 134 and 135.

(Source: Associated Press)

Source: Associated Press

Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)

Photo: 图：科罗拉多州议会大厦（丹佛）。图片来源：Sascha Brück，CC BY-SA 3.0，Wikimedia Commons。 / Photo: Colorado State Capitol in Denver. Source: Sascha Brück, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.