Colorado’s 2024 Proposition KK: Taxing Guns to Fund Safety Programs

Alright, let’s dive into Proposition KK, a measure that’s sure to get folks talking (and probably arguing) this November. The Colorado Legislature decided it was time to add a new 6.5% excise tax on firearms, gun parts, and ammunition sales, all in the name of funding victim services and other community programs. Love it or hate it, here’s what you need to know.

What Is Proposition KK?

Proposition KK is all about creating a new tax on firearm and ammunition sales. It would impose a 6.5% tax on gun dealers, manufacturers, and ammunition vendors who have over $20,000 in annual sales. Private sales and sales to law enforcement or active-duty military are exempt, so don’t worry—no one’s taxing your buddy’s hunting rifle swap. If passed, the revenue (estimated to bring in $35-$39 million annually) would fund various programs aimed at addressing crime victim support, veterans’ mental health services, and school safety initiatives.

For those wanting to dive into the nitty-gritty legalese, here’s the text

SHALL STATE TAXES BE INCREASED BY $39,000,000 ANNUALLY TO FUND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, INCLUDING FOR MILITARY VETERANS AND AT-RISK YOUTH, SCHOOL SAFETY AND GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION, AND SUPPORT SERVICES FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND OTHER VIOLENT CRIMES BY AUTHORIZING A TAX ON GUN DEALERS, GUN MANUFACTURERS, AND AMMUNITION VENDORS AT THE RATE OF 6.5% OF THE NET TAXABLE SALES FROM THE RETAIL SALE OF ANY GUN, GUN PRECURSOR PART, OR AMMUNITION, WITH THE STATE KEEPING AND SPENDING ALL OF THE NEW TAX REVENUE AS A VOTER-APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE?

What’s the Goal of Proposition KK?

Proponents of Proposition KK argue that this tax is a way to ensure stable funding for crucial services that have been hit hard by federal cuts. Crime victim programs and veterans’ mental health services, which previously relied on federal funds, are now underfunded. The state aims to use these new tax revenues to plug that gap, funding everything from youth behavioral health services to school safety measures like security training and infrastructure upgrades.

The Pros

1. Stable Funding for Essential Services: Supporters like Colorado Ceasefire and the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault argue that this tax will provide much-needed support for crime victims and veterans. They say federal funds have dried up, and this tax offers a consistent revenue stream to keep these programs running ​(The Colorado Sun) ​(Reason Foundation).
2. Direct Response to Gun Violence: Proponents believe taxing the very products involved in many violent incidents is a fair way to fund prevention and support programs. With a large portion of domestic violence and suicides involving firearms, they see this as a practical approach​ (BallotReady) ​(Colorado Ceasefire).
3. Exemptions for Smaller Sellers and Military: The tax won’t apply to smaller vendors or private transactions, which proponents argue keeps it from being overly burdensome on all gun owners​ (The Colorado Sun).

The Cons

1. Second Amendment Concerns: Opponents, including the National Rifle Association and the Independence Institute, argue that the tax is an infringement on gun rights. They see it as an attempt to penalize law-abiding citizens and gun businesses rather than addressing the root causes of gun violence​ (Reason Foundation)​ (Colorado General Assembly).
2. Impact on Low-Income Individuals: Critics say this measure will disproportionately affect low-income residents who rely on firearms for self-defense or hunting. They argue that it’s essentially a “sin tax” on a constitutional right, likening it to discriminatory poll taxes of the past​ (BallotReady).
3. Economic Concerns: There are fears that this could push gun sales out of state. If Colorado imposes additional taxes that neighboring states don’t, consumers might head across state lines to buy their firearms, hurting local businesses and possibly encouraging illegal purchases​ (Colorado General Assembly).

What the Colorado Blue Book Says

A “YES” vote on Proposition KK creates a new tax on firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition, and uses the revenue for crime victim services, mental health services for veterans and youth, and school safety programs.

A “NO” vote on Proposition KK means the state’s taxation of firearms and ammunition will not change.

The Bottom Line

Proposition KK is Colorado’s attempt to use gun-related taxes to fund services directly impacted by gun violence, like mental health support and crime victim programs. If you think it’s fair to tax gun sales to support these initiatives, this one’s for you. But if you see it as a slippery slope infringing on Second Amendment rights and harming lawful gun owners, then a “no” vote might be your answer.

There’s our objectivity, here’s how we’ll vote

We’re voting no. We are pleased to see the state legislature finally wants to begin a conversation about the mental health epidemic in this state and nation. We don’t have a gun problem, we have a mental health problem. We’re glad the state legislature wants to begin a conversation about paying for mental health treatment. It is 110% wrong to put that burden on those who wish to legally exercise their 2nd Amendment right. No. Those exercising their God-given and constitutionally protected rights should not be penalized for crimes they did not commit. Just vote no on Prop KK.