2024 Colorado Proposition 128

Proposition 128

November 5, 2024
Parole Eligibility for Crimes of Violence
as of 3:05 P.M., November 9, 2024 MST
Results
Choice Votes % Yes 1,792,083 62.15% No 1,091,543 37.85% Total votes 2,883,626 100.00%
For   70–80%   60–70%   50–60% Against   50–60%

2024 Colorado Proposition 128 is a proposed ballot measure that will appear before voters during the 2024 general election in Colorado. If the measure passes, it would require anyone convicted of a violent felony offense to serve 85% of their sentence before being eligible for parole or any sentence reductions for good behavior.

Background

Currently, people convicted of violent felonies, including murder, assault, kidnapping, arson, burglary, and robbery, are required to serve a minimum of 75% of their sentence before becoming eligible for parole. Should Proposition 128 pass, it would raise that requirement from 75% to 85%. Additionally, it would bar inmates convicted of violent felonies from having their sentences reduced for good behavior until they've served at least 85% of said sentence. The proposition would also require anyone convicted of a violent felony three times to serve the full duration of their sentence.

Proposition 128 was referred to the ballot by citizen initiated petition. The petitioning and campaigning for the measure are being led by the conservative group Advance Colorado, who are also backing Amendment 80 and Proposition 130. Roughly 220 people per year are convicted of a violent felony in Colorado, serving an average of 23 years in prison. As Proposition 128 would increase the amount of time spent in prison for these felons, it is estimated to cost between $12 million and $28 million per year.

Contents

The proposition will appear on the ballot as follows:

Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes concerning parole eligibility for an offender convicted of certain crimes, and, in connection therewith, requiring an offender who is convicted of second degree murder; first degree assault; class 2 felony kidnapping; sexual assault; first degree arson; first degree burglary; or aggravated robbery committed on or after January 1, 2025, to serve 85 percent of the sentence imposed before being eligible for parole, and requiring an offender convicted of any such crime committed on or after January 1, 2025, who was previously convicted of any two crimes of violence, not just those crimes enumerated in this measure, to serve the full sentence imposed before beginning to serve parole?

Campaigns

Support

There is no major organized campaign in favor of Proposition 128, though petitioning for the measure was led by the group Advance Colorado. The state's official voter guide also offers the arguments in favor of the measure that it would increase public safety and ensure that justice is served for victims of violent crimes.

'Yes'

Newspapers

• The Colorado Springs Gazette

Organziations

• Colorado Republican Party

Opposition

Opposition to Proposition 128 is led by the group Coloradans For Smart Justice The official Colorado voter guide also offers the argument against the measure that it removes rehabilitation opportunities for inmates and would increase prison costs without reducing crime rates.

'No'

State representatives

• Judy Amabile
• Chad Clifford
• Javier Mabrey
• Emily Sirota
• Brianna Titone
• Mike Weissman

Organizations

• ACLU of Colorado
• Colorado Democratic Party
• Colorado Working Families Party
• SEIU Local 105

Results

Results will begin being made public for Proposition 128 at 7:00 pm on November 5, 2024. Proposition 128 requires a simple majority to pass.

Proposition 128

Choice	Votes	%
Result not yet known
Total votes	—	100.00