Thought Leaders: Colorado voters pass police funding measure

On November 5, 2024, Colorado voters passed Proposition 130. Proposition 130 is a law enforcement funding initiative, which directs the state to distribute $350 million over multiple years to local law enforcement agencies for recruiting, training, and retention. The money is to be distributed by the Colorado Department of Public Safety (CDPS), but the state legislature and CDPS will determine when the money is paid out. Prior to the new law taking effect, local law enforcement agencies paid for recruiting, training, and retention of local law enforcement officers out of county or municipal budgets and through state grants.

Local law enforcement agencies must use this new source of funding to: (1) increase officer’s annual pay; (2) pay hiring, recruitment, and retention bonuses to officers; (3) hire additional officers; and (4) train officers in areas such as the use of force, restraints, and physical fitness. The new law also requires the State to pay a one-million-dollar death benefit to the families of local law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. It is estimated that on average, four officers are killed in the line of duty each year in Colorado and the state will pay out approximately four-million dollars annually in death benefits.

If you are a public entity or local law enforcement agency that may be impacted by the changes in the law discussed above, please contact BHGR’s Public Entity Group to determine if we can assist you.

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