COLORADO VOTERS TO DECIDE ON FIREARMS TAX TO FUND VICTIM SERVICES

Colorado voters will decide in November whether to approve Proposition KK, a measure that would impose a 6.5% excise tax on firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition sold in the state.

The tax, expected to generate $39 million annually, would primarily fund victim services, with $30 million allocated for grants supporting on-site crisis response, counseling, and emergency financial assistance.

The tax would be levied on firearms manufacturers, dealers, retailers, and ammunition vendors, with exemptions for dealers with annual sales under $20,000, private sales between individuals, and retail sales to law enforcement and active-duty military personnel.

Consumers are likely to bear the cost, which would translate to approximately $60.45 on a $930 firearm or $1.30 on $20 worth of ammunition.

The revenue generated would be distributed as follows: $30 million to the Colorado Crime Victim Services Fund for crime victim services grants, $5 million to the Behavioral and Mental Health Cash Fund for veterans' mental health services, $3 million to the Behavioral and Mental Health Cash Fund for children's behavioral health crisis response services, and $1 million to the School Disbursement Program Cash Fund for Colorado public schools' security enhancements.

Proponents argue that Proposition KK would provide crucial funding for victim services, particularly domestic violence survivors, and acknowledge the connection between firearm prevalence and gun violence.

Opponents contend that the measure would unfairly burden law-abiding gun owners, incentivize out-of-state purchases, and harm Colorado businesses.

Proposition KK resulted from House Bill 1349, passed by the state legislature with only Democratic votes. The measure requires a simple majority to pass, as it would change state law.