Proposition 133
Penalties for Human Trafficking of a Minor
Prop 133 at a Glance
What it is: Colorado Proposition 133 (Initiative #108) is a statewide ballot measure on the penalties for human trafficking of a minor.
What it would do: It asks voters whether adults convicted of knowingly buying or selling sexual activity involving a minor should face life in prison without the possibility of parole or release.
Our position: Pikes Peak Citizens for Life urges a Yes on 133 vote.
Election day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026, Colorado general election.
Ballot Measure Language (click to expand)
CDOS Received: July 25, 2025 12:44 P.M. CH — 2025-2026 #108 – Final Text
2025-2026 #108 Penalties for human trafficking of a minor FINAL
Be it enacted by the people of the State of Colorado
SECTION 1. Legislative Declaration. (1) The people of the State of Colorado hereby find and declare:
(a) Residents of Colorado and other states and territories throughout the United States have seen an alarming increase in human trafficking, especially human trafficking involving minor children;
(b) Current penalties in Colorado law with parole possible in as little as eight years have failed to adequately deter the human trafficking of minor children; and
(c) It is the measure of a fair and compassionate society to ensure that children are not for sale.
SECTION 2. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 18-3-504, amend (2)(a) and (2)(b); and add (5) and (6) as follows:
18-3-504. Human trafficking for sexual servitude – human trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude.
(2) (a) A person commits human trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude if the person:
(I) Knowingly sells, recruits, harbors, transports, transfers, isolates, entices, provides, receives, obtains by any means, maintains, or makes available a minor for the purpose of commercial sexual activity; or
(II) Knowingly advertises, offers to sell, or sells travel services that facilitate an activity prohibited pursuant to subsection (2)(a)(I) of this section; OR
(III) KNOWINGLY TRADES ANYTHING OF MONETARY VALUE TO BUY OR SELL SEXUAL ACTIVITY WITH A MINOR.
(b) Human trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude is a class 2 1 felony. The court shall sentence a person convicted of such a class 2 1 felony to the department of corrections for a term of at least the minimum of the presumptive range for a class 2 felony, LIFE IN PRISON WITHOUT PAROLE OR RELEASE, as set forth in section 18-1.3-401.
(5) NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL LIMIT A GOVERNOR’S STANDING AUTHORITY OF PARDON, COMMUTATION, OR CLEMENCY.
(6) THE SHORT TITLE OF THIS SECTION IS THE “CHILDREN ARE NOT FOR SALE ACT.”
SECTION 3. Effective date — applicability. This act takes effect on January 1, 2027, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.
Pros
Stronger protection for children — Imposes the strongest penalty on adults convicted of buying or selling sexual activity involving a minor.
Closes potential loopholes — Broadens the law to cover trading anything of monetary value for sexual activity with a minor.
Clear message — Reinforces Colorado’s condemnation of child sex trafficking and exploitation.
Prevents repeat offenses after release — Supporters emphasize that offenders receiving life without parole cannot reoffend in the community.
Cons
No sentencing flexibility — Life without parole does not allow judges to consider differing circumstances in individual cases.
Questions about deterrence — Critics may argue that harsher penalties alone do not necessarily prevent trafficking.
Higher incarceration costs — Life sentences may increase long-term prison expenses.
Other approaches may also be needed — Prevention, victim services, and enforcement resources remain important tools.
The Bottom Line
Initiative #108 asks voters whether adults convicted of knowingly buying or selling sexual activity involving a minor should face life in prison without the possibility of parole or release.
Detailed analysis from Ballotpedia: https://ballotpedia.org/Colorado_Require_Life_in_Prison_for_Human_Trafficking_of_Minors_Measure_(2026)
What the Colorado Catholic Conference Says
“It is imperative that Coloradans strengthen laws that reject the modern slavery of sex trafficking of children.”
Colorado Catholic Conference, Bishops’ Letter on Proposition 133
Read the full Colorado Bishops’ statement on Propositions 133, 134 & 135
Prop 133 FAQ
What is Colorado Proposition 133?
Proposition 133 is a 2026 Colorado statewide ballot initiative (Initiative #108) on the penalties for human trafficking of a minor.
What does a Yes vote on Prop 133 mean?
A Yes vote supports enacting the measure, which imposes life in prison without the possibility of parole or release on adults convicted of knowingly buying or selling sexual activity involving a minor.
What does a No vote on Prop 133 mean?
A No vote means the measure is not enacted and current Colorado law stays in place.
Who supports Yes on 133?
Pikes Peak Citizens for Life supports Yes on 133. Read the pros and cons above and the full ballot language to decide for yourself.