What is Prop 130: $350 million in state dollars for Colorado law enforcement

COLORADO, USA — A proposition on the November ballot would redirect state dollars to help fund local law enforcement agencies. If Proposition 130 passes, it would likely mean state lawmakers would have to make cuts to the state budget to help recruit, train, and retain local police officers. 

Law enforcement agencies across the country took a hit after the pandemic. Staffing levels dropped and crime spiked. Numbers have improved since then, but Colorado still has fewer police officers per capita than it did in the 1990s, according to data from the FBI. 

Voters in November will decide if Colorado should create a fund to recruit, train, and retain police officers. 

A “YES” vote on Prop 130 would direct the legislature to provide $350 million in additional state funding to increase pay for officers, provide training, hire new officers, and provide bonuses. It also requires the state to provide a one-time $1 million death benefit to the family of each state and local law enforcement office killed in the line of duty. That one-time benefit would be in addition to any death and disability benefits provided through the officer’s pension.

It was put on the ballot by conservative group Advance Colorado.

Prop 130 doesn’t authorize new taxes. The allocation would likely mean lawmakers will have to make cuts in the state budget to cover the cost. 

Voting “NO” on Prop 130 will continue current funding levels for law enforcement agencies. Families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty will continue to receive existing benefits provided by current law. 

Right now, local police departments are funded through county or municipal budgets. 

The $350 million fund would be spent over multiple years. The timing of this spending would be determined by state lawmakers and the Colorado Department of Public Safety. 

State lawmakers are already facing financial problems. Forecasts show Colorado may need to cut around $900 million in spending or dip into reserves to balance the budget next year.