Colorado Voters Decide To Tax Firearms, Ammo

Colorado voters passed a tax on firearms and ammunition sales in the state aimed at reducing gun violence, the Associated Press projects.

Proposition KK applies a 6.5% tax on all sales of firearms, ammunition and certain firearms parts, according to the Colorado legislature. The tax revenue will be used to help “crime victim support services, mental health services for veterans and youth, and school safety programs.”

The new tax is expected to generate $39 million in the first year, according to a legislative analysis of the measure. The measure had 54.2% supporting and 45.8% opposing, with 76% of votes counted as of Thursday morning, according to the AP.

Colorado is middling in gun ownership, having the 21st lowest rate in the county in 2022, according to the World Population Review. However, the state has a strong hunting culture, with the industry bringing in roughly $843 million yearly, according to the Colorado Wildlife Council.

Voters also rejected Proposition 127, which would have banned hunting of “big cats” like bobcats, mountain lions and others.

There has been no registered spending from either side of the issue on the tax initiative, according to Ballotpedia.

“Firearms and ammunition are already subject to an 11% federal excise tax through the Pittman-Robertson Act, along with a variety of other state and local taxes and fees,” The National Rifle Association (NRA) said in March. “California is the only other state to enact similar legislation. This tax should be seen as nothing more than an attack on the Second Amendment and those who exercise their rights under it.”

Advocates argue that the tax is small and will provide crucial services to victims of domestic abuse and gun violence, according to Everytown for Gun Safety in September.

“Gun violence in all its forms continues to devastate Colorado families and communities, and Coloradans have the opportunity to take action by voting in favor of Prop KK on the ballot in November,” Linda Magid, lead of the Moms Demand Action’s Colorado Chapter, told Everytown for Gun Safety. “By requiring a modest tax on firearms and ammunition, Coloradans will be able to guarantee new funding for protecting and healing survivors, and providing services critical in breaking cycles of violence. VOTE YES ON Prop KK and show your commitment to our state’s safety and future.”

Colorado will also decide on Proposition 130, which would increase police funding by $300 million, according to the measure. As of the time of writing, the initiative has 53% support and 46.9% opposition, according to the unofficial vote count.