A ballot initiative that seeks to impose an excise tax on firearms and ammunition sales and allocate the resulting funds to victim services is expected to pass, according to data as of 3:30 this morning.

Proposition KK, which was referred to the ballot by the state legislature, has 54% of the vote, according to unofficial preliminary results. 

The initiative would place a 6.5% excise tax on firearms sales, with the revenue earmarked for funding crime victim support services, mental health services for veterans and youth, and school safety programs.

Firearms and ammunition sales are currently subject to a federal tax of 10% for handguns and 11% for all other firearms and ammunition, with the proceeds benefiting wildlife conservation and hunting programs. 

Under Proposition KK Firearm sellers with annual sales of less than $20,000 would be exempt from the tax, as would sales to law enforcement, active duty military members, and private sales between individuals who are not firearm dealers or manufacturers. 

The measure garnered support from organizations such as Violence Free Colorado, Colorado Children’s Alliance, and Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance, who argue funding for victims’ services is critically low and that firearms are linked to many of the traumas their clients have experienced. On the other hand, opponents of the measure, including the National Rifle Association and Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, argue that there are other ways to increase funding to victims’ services besides adding additional taxes to firearms, They have labeled the measure a “sin tax”, contending that it’s designed to discourage people from purchasing and selling firearms.  

House Majority Leader Rep. Monica Duran, D- Wheat Ridge, one of the sponsors of the legislation and a survivor of domestic abuse, called the initiative’s passage a “full circle moment”.

“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,” she said. “I’d like to thank our volunteers, advocates and non-profit organizations who helped get the word out about this modest, 6.5 percent excise tax on firearms. As federal dollars dwindle, Coloradans made the right choice this evening to step up and help fill the funding gaps in crime victim services. From navigating the challenging judicial system to helping secure child care, crime victim services play a major role in uplifting survivors by providing them the resources they need to start anew. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your support of Prop KK.”