Proposition 130 - Funding for Law Enforcement

Summary

Proposition 130 directs the legislature to provide $350 million in additional state funding to local law enforcement agencies to be distributed by the Colorado Department of Public Safety (CDPS). Proposition 130 does not specify a time requirement for when this money must be provided. The funding must be used to: increase annual pay for law enforcement officers; provide one-time hiring, recruitment, and retention bonuses for law enforcement officers; hire additional officers to address specific geographic locations or types of crime; provide ongoing training to new and veteran officers in areas such as the use of force, restraints, and physical fitness; and establish a one-time death benefit of $1 million for each law enforcement officer killed while on duty.

A "yes" vote on Proposition 130 directs the state to provide $350 million in additional funding to local law enforcement agencies to improve officer recruitment and retention, and requires the state to provide a one-time $1 million death benefit to the family of each state and local law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty.

A "no" vote on Proposition 130 will continue current levels of funding for local law enforcement agencies, and families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty will continue to receive existing benefits provided by current law.

Arguments

"Law enforcement is a critical and underfunded public need. This measure funds law enforcement without raising taxes. The state has a vested interest in ensuring that local governments can recruit and retain the best police officers possible to protect Coloradans and their property. Recent legislation has increased costs to local police departments without providing any new funding to cover these costs. With additional funding, local governments can supplement current resources, which helps to improve public safety and foster trust within the community. " - CO Legislative Hearings Comments, in support of Proposition 130 (Learn more)

"No evidence exists to demonstrate that increased funding to law enforcement agencies has made communities safer. Proposition _ directs the legislature to spend millions without considering local decisions about public safety needs or the state's broader public safety obligations, such as funding for courts and correctional facilities. The measure only funds law enforcement instead of alternatives to traditional policing, such as social workers and behavioral health professionals. Similarly, the funds may not be applied to programs that have proven to reduce criminal behavior, such as access to affordable housing, jobs, healthcare, and education. The direction to spend more than 10 times the amount of recent state funding on traditional policing is an irresponsible use of taxpayer dollars. " - CO Legislative Hearings Comments, in opposition to Proposition 130 (Learn more)

Measure Details