Colorado Penalties for Fentanyl Sale and Possession Initiative (2026)
| Colorado Penalties for Fentanyl Sale and Possession Initiative | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Election date November 3, 2026 | |
| Topic Drug crime policy | |
| Status Cleared for signature gathering | |
| Type State statute | Origin Citizens |
The Colorado Penalties for Fentanyl Sale and Possession Initiative may appear on the ballot in Colorado as an initiated state statute on November 3, 2026.
This initiative would increase the felony classifications for manufacturing, dispensing, sale, and possession of fentanyl and certain synthetic opioids; create mandated treatment for certain drug felony violations; and eliminate or narrow sentencing provisions to eliminate exceptions for crimes related to fentanyl and other drug-related deaths.[1]
Text of measure
Ballot title
The ballot title for the initiative is as follows:[1]
| “ | Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes concerning criminal penalties for fentanyl and certain synthetic opioids, and, in connection therewith, increasing the felony classifications of drug-related crimes for distribution, manufacturing, dispensing, sale, or possession of fentanyl and certain synthetic opioids; creating mandated treatment for certain drug felony violations based on possession amount; and changing sentencing provisions to narrow or eliminate exemptions for crimes related to fentanyl and certain synthetic opioids and drug-related deaths? | ” |
Full text
The full text is available here.
Path to the ballot
The state process
In Colorado, the number of signatures required to qualify an initiated state statute for the ballot is equal to 5 percent of the total number of votes cast for the office of Colorado secretary of state in the preceding general election. State law provides that petitioners have six months to collect signatures after the ballot language and title are finalized. State statutes require a completed signature petition to be filed three months and three weeks before the election at which the measure would appear on the ballot. The Constitution, however, states that the petition must be filed three months before the election at which the measure would appear. The secretary of state generally lists a date that is three months before the election as the filing deadline.
The requirements to get an initiated state statute certified for the 2026 ballot:
The secretary of state is responsible for signature verification. Verification is conducted through a review of petitions regarding correct form and then a 5 percent random sampling verification. If the sampling projects between 90 percent and 110 percent of required valid signatures, a full check of all signatures is required. If the sampling projects more than 110 percent of the required signatures, the initiative is certified. If less than 90 percent, the initiative fails.
Details about this initiative
- May 5, 2025: The initiative was filed by Suzanne Taheri and Michael Fields.[1]
- July 28, 2025: The initiative was cleared for signature gathering with signatures due by November 28, 2025.[1]
See also
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External links
Footnotes
