Proposition 133: Penalties for Human Trafficking of a Minor

Colorado · initiated statute · on the November 3, 2026 ballot. The ballot wording and the arguments for and against from the state’s official voter guide, in the state’s own words, each read the same way for rhetorical techniques. We don’t recommend a vote.

On the ballot

no rhetorical technique found

Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes modifying existing law concerning human trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude, and, in connection therewith, creating new law expanding human trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude to include knowingly trading anything of monetary value to buy or sell sexual activity with a minor and increasing the penalty to be life in prison without parole or release?

From coloradosos.gov. Checked 2026-10-20. Confirm with your official ballot (sample-ballot lookup).

Argument for

By Colorado Legislative Council Staff (State Ballot Information Booklet)

no rhetorical technique found

1) Child sex trafficking causes serious and long-lasting harm to victims. Someone who commits this terrible crime deserves a life sentence instead of a shorter prison term or probation. The punishment outlined in the measure is clear, definite, and ensures that offenders cannot hurt more children.

With this change, victims will have no doubt that child sex trafficking offenders are punished to the fullest extent of the law. The measure helps deter people from engaging in child sex trafficking and sends a strong message that Colorado takes these crimes seriously.

Proposition 133 makes certain that justice is served, children are protected, and victims are shielded from punishment and further harm.

From content.leg.colorado.gov, the official voter guide.

Argument against

By Colorado Legislative Council Staff (State Ballot Information Booklet)

no rhetorical technique found

1) Harsher sentences are unlikely to deter human trafficking, but may instead result in punishing victims. Many victims of child sex trafficking are pressured or forced to commit crimes to help traffickers. Due to the fear of a life sentence, victims may be less likely to report these crimes or cooperate with police.

Additionally, a judge would no longer be able to consider the facts of the case when sentencing someone convicted of child sex trafficking. The measure prioritizes punishment over prevention, and redirects resources from other strategies that combat child sex trafficking. Proposition 133 is unlikely to stop child sex trafficking or protect victims.

From content.leg.colorado.gov, the official voter guide.

Who’s behind it

Party positions: Colorado Democratic Party: No position published · Colorado Republican Party: No position published · Libertarian Party of Colorado: No · Colorado Forward Party: No position

Committees registered to support or oppose Proposition 133, and what they reported to Colorado Secretary of State TRACER (tracer.sos.colorado.gov). Checked 2026-10-20.

Before comparing the sides: each committee’s figures come from its own latest report, so they can cover different dates. Some committees work on more than one measure or other campaigns, and their totals include all of it. A side with no registered committee can still have supporters. How much a side raised says nothing about whether the measure is a good idea.

Supporting

PROTECT KIDS COLORADO - ISSUE COMMITTEE

Ballot measure committee, sponsored by Protect Kids Colorado (from the registered committee name)

“Protect Kids Colorado is a broad coalition of parents, grandparents and concerned citizens coming together to protect kids and strengthen families in Colorado.” — its website

Raised $171,635 · spent $163,367 · as reported through Oct 14, 2026

Largest contributors as filed:

PROTECT KIDS COLORADO, 501(C)4 · $192,000
501(c)(4) nonprofit
COORS, JEFF · $25,000 · individual
own contributions since Jan 1, 2020, federal (FEC): $0 to Democratic and $347,870 to Republican candidates and party committees; Colorado state (TRACER): $0 to Democratic and $14,860 to Republican candidates and party committees; $2,500 to candidates for nonpartisan offices
PIKES PEAK CITIZENS FOR LIFE · $15,000
501(c)(4) nonprofit
TRUTH AND LIBERTY FOUNDATION · $10,000
501(c)(4) nonprofit
FAMILY POLICY ALLIANCE FOUNDATION · $10,000
501(c)(3) nonprofit

This committee is registered for more than one measure; these are its whole totals, which its filings don’t divide by measure.

PROTECT OUR CHILDREN

Ballot measure committee

Raised $0 · spent $0 · as reported through Sep 30, 2026

This committee is registered for more than one measure; these are its whole totals, which its filings don’t divide by measure.

Opposing

VOTE COMMON SENSE

Ballot measure committee

Raised $809,840 · spent $130,112 · as reported through Oct 14, 2026

Largest contributors as filed:

GREEN ADVOCACY PROJECT · $200,000
501(c)(4) nonprofit
COLORADO FUND FOR CHILDREN & PUBLIC EDUCATION · $115,000
Other · Colorado state contributions since Jan 1, 2025: $4,500 to Democratic and $0 to Republican candidates and party committees; $16,059 to candidates for nonpartisan offices (TRACER)
CHAMBERS, MERLE · $100,000 · individual
own contributions since Jan 1, 2020, federal (FEC): $4,614,737 to Democratic and $0 to Republican candidates and party committees, $24,106 to others; Colorado state (TRACER): $101,150 to Democratic and $0 to Republican candidates and party committees; $1,900 to candidates for nonpartisan offices
CONSERVATION COLORADO · $65,000
501(c)(4) nonprofit · Colorado state contributions since Jan 1, 2025: $750 to Democratic and $0 to Republican candidates and party committees (TRACER)
COBALT ADVOCATES · $65,000
501(c)(4) nonprofit · federal PAC contributions, 2025–26: $2,000 to Democratic and $0 to Republican candidates and party committees (FEC)

This committee is registered for more than one measure; these are its whole totals, which its filings don’t divide by measure.

PEOPLE FOR A FAIR COLORADO

Ballot measure committee

Registered; no financial report filed yet.

MAKE GOOD CHANGE

Ballot measure committee

“The People's Ballot is an unofficial voter guide to the 14 statewide ballot measures on Colorado's Nov. 3, 2026 general election ballot.” — its website

Registered; no financial report filed yet.

A rhetorical technique is about wording, not about whether a measure is a good idea or an argument is true. Ballot wording is written under each state’s own rules, and official arguments by the people the state names. All Colorado measures →