District Attorneys Opposed Proposition 132

A group of nine Colorado district attorneys has publicly opposed the new ballot initiative targeting fentanyl.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Drug Crime

District Attorneys Opposed Proposition 132

Live Poll

Should states impose mandatory prison sentences for the possession of small amounts of fentanyl?

District Attorney Anna Cooling and eight other district attorneys have formally opposed Proposition 132, also known as the Penalties for Fentanyl Sale and Possession Initiative. The group argues the measure represents a counterproductive strategy in the fight against local drug use.

Why it matters

The opposition highlights a significant divide among law enforcement officials regarding the efficacy of strict sentencing versus treatment-focused approaches for drug offenses. The initiative's passage would fundamentally shift how the state processes fentanyl-related crimes.

Proposition 132 mandates a class-1 drug felony for any manufacture, sale, or distribution of fentanyl and a class-4 drug felony for possession of less than 1 gram. The latter classification includes mandatory treatment and potential prison time.

The players

Anna Cooling

She serves as the District Attorney for Colorado's 7th Judicial District and is the lead official opposing the initiative.

The details

The initiative targets fentanyl distribution, manufacture, and sale by elevating these activities to class-1 drug felonies. For those caught with less than 1 gram of the substance, the measure introduces mandatory treatment programs alongside potential prison sentences.

The opposition from the district attorneys was reported on October 8, 2026.

Legal Context

The initiative follows a broader trend of state-level legislative attempts to curb fentanyl-related mortality through increased criminal penalties. This opposition underscores a recurring debate in Colorado law regarding the balance between punitive incarceration and court-mandated treatment.

The potential implementation of this measure could lead to changes in how local law enforcement prioritizes fentanyl arrests and diverts individuals to treatment centers. Residents may see shifting resource allocations within the justice system depending on whether the initiative is adopted.

The takeaway

The opposition from these officials emphasizes the ongoing disagreement within the justice system regarding the best approach to the fentanyl crisis. Voters must consider whether mandatory treatment or stricter felony classifications better serve public safety and health outcomes.