Proposition 133State law · Citizen initiative
Life without parole for child trafficking
Explain it like I'm 5
This would make trafficking a child for sex punishable by life in prison with no parole. It also expands the crime to cover knowingly exchanging something valuable for sexual activity with a minor.
Yes vote
A conviction for human trafficking a minor for sexual servitude carries life in prison without parole, and the definition includes knowingly exchanging value for sexual activity with a minor.
No vote
Current child-trafficking definitions and sentencing ranges remain, with judges retaining more discretion.
The question to ask yourself
Should every conviction under the expanded offense require life without parole, or should judges retain sentencing flexibility?
The case for
- Child sex trafficking causes profound harm and may warrant the strongest punishment.
- Life without parole permanently prevents convicted traffickers from harming other children.
- The expanded definition may close gaps involving people who buy sexual activity with minors.
Backed by: Protect Kids Colorado
The case against
- Mandatory life sentences remove judges' ability to consider different levels of responsibility.
- Broad language could expose coerced participants or survivors to extreme punishment.
- Existing law already allows lengthy prison terms, so the added penalty may not improve prevention.
Opposed by: Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking, ACLU of Colorado, League of Women Voters of Colorado
- Money
- State prison spending would increase over time, but the total amount is not estimated.
- Don't be misled
- It is misleading to describe this as only a sentence change, because it also expands the conduct covered by the offense.