Colorado Prop 133 Would Set Life Terms for Child Sex Trafficking Convictions

Colorado voters will decide on Nov. 3 whether to approve Proposition 133, a measure that would set mandatory life sentences without parole for people convicted of child sex trafficking. The proposal would also expand the legal definition of the crime to cover anyone who buys sexual activity with a minor. The measure is backed by Protect Kids Colorado, a coalition that includes the Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance and other groups.

Protect Kids Colorado argues the change would keep repeat offenders away from children. "The child doesn't get a second chance once they've been sold into sexual servitude. Why should the perpetrator get a second chance to harm another child?" Erin Lee, the coalition's executive director, said. The group says the measure would not change how victims are protected in court, because Colorado law already allows an affirmative defense for people who were forced to commit a crime.

The Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault opposes the measure. "We know that it sounds good on the surface. We all share the goal to protect kids and end human trafficking, but again, Prop 133 will not actually get us there," Onnastasia Cole, the group's policy and outreach manager, said. Cole said many people who are trafficked are also forced to recruit others, post advertisements, or arrange transportation, and that a life sentence could push them toward a trial or plea deal. "Both of those outcomes are not great for victims who have already experienced significant trauma and harm," Cole said.

The debate over Proposition 133 follows years of discussion about how Colorado handles trafficking cases. Colorado voters approved Proposition 125 in 2022, which created a new crime of human trafficking of a minor and increased penalties for other trafficking offenses. Supporters of Proposition 133 say the new measure would build on those changes by setting a uniform life sentence for anyone convicted of buying or selling children for sexual purposes.

If voters approve the measure, the changes to sentencing and the definition of child sex trafficking would take effect. The Colorado Secretary of State's office is scheduled to certify election results in the weeks after Nov. 3, and county clerks will report vote totals as they are counted. The measure's supporters and opponents both say they will work to educate voters before the election.

The Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault has said it will continue to oppose Proposition 133 if it passes, while Protect Kids Colorado has said it will focus on how the measure is carried out. Election officials have not released polling data on the measure.