Election results on Tuesday showed Colorado voters narrowly in favor of Proposition KK, a ballot measure that would create an excise tax on firearms and ammunition, primarily to pay for crime victim services, mental health services for veterans and youth and school safety programs.
Prop KK passed with 54% of voters in favor of the measure, while nearly 46% were against it, out of more than 2.4 million votes cast.
Because it would change state law, the measure needed a simple majority to pass.
“Tonight really is a full circle moment for me; without the support from crime victim services as a young single mother trapped in an abusive relationship, there is no way I’d be here today celebrating the passage of Prop KK,” said Democratic House Majority Leader Monica Duran in a news release late Tuesday declaring victory.
“As federal dollars dwindle, Coloradans made the right choice this evening to step up and help fill the funding gaps in crime victim services.”
The measure will add a 6.5% excise tax on guns, firearm parts and ammunition sold in Colorado. Dealers and manufacturers would be responsible for paying the tax, though the cost would likely be passed on to consumers.
ELECTION RESULTS: Live Colorado election results for the 2024 election
Prop. KK includes exemptions from the tax for dealers with annual sales of less than $20,000, private sales between individuals, and retail sales to law enforcement officers and agencies as well as active-duty members of the military.
The bill to refer the measure to voters, , passed the legislature with only Democratic votes, along with a few Democrats voting in opposition.
The tax is expected to raise an estimated $39 million a year, with $30 million tagged for services for crime victims.
