Colorado voters made a significant decision this week by approving Proposition KK, a new 6.5% excise tax on firearms, ammunition, and gun-related accessories.
This measure, which passed with 54.2% of the vote, makes Colorado the second state in the nation, after California, to impose a state-specific tax on gun purchases. The revenue, expected to reach around $39 million annually, will fund mental health programs, support services for crime victims, and other social initiatives.
Proponents argue the tax addresses the rising demand for crime victim support services. Colorado House Majority Leader Monica Duran, a primary advocate of the measure, highlighted how these funds could bridge gaps left by declining federal support for victim services.
She cited her personal experience with these services as a reason for her commitment, stating that this is about “supporting services that help those in crisis.”
Gun rights advocates, however, view Proposition KK as an unconstitutional infringement on the Second Amendment.
Critics argue that law-abiding gun owners shouldn’t shoulder the financial burden for broader societal issues, particularly when they already pay substantial federal excise taxes on firearms and ammunition. Tim Brough, a firearms store owner, pointed out the selective nature of the tax, questioning why gun owners should bear costs for services that benefit the entire state. He predicts that the tax will drive business out of Colorado, as neighboring states without similar taxes offer a cost-effective alternative for gun buyers.
The measure exempts law enforcement, active-duty military, and private individual gun sales. Businesses with under $20,000 in annual gun-related sales also won’t have to pay the tax, though most sellers are expected to pass the additional costs on to consumers.
Following California’s example, gun rights organizations are expected to challenge Colorado’s tax in court. Under the Supreme Court’s recent Bruen ruling, any law that burdens the right to bear arms could face constitutional scrutiny, raising questions about whether this tax could ultimately hold up in court.
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Why is “unconstitutional” in quotes? You don’t need to be a scholar to realize a tax is an infringement.
No shit, Einstein.
Also, news reports said the ban on fur products was voted down in Colorado. The animal rights groups pushed this crazy bill. It was so poorly written, that several articles said I t would ban the sale of fur coats, fly fishing lures, cowboy hats made with beaver, and could have banned leather shoes, cowboy boots, leather jackes, and saddles! Any product that used animal skins. See uniformed sheeple don’t read the total proposal. The far leftist animal worshipping cults don’t want you to eat any meat products. They want you to eat ” synthetic food” made from oil !… Read more »
CO has become the CA of the Rockies. Fact, not hyperbole.
Poll taxes were deemed illegal in 1964 with the 24th Amendment of the Constitution to practice a right. Taxes on guns and ammo is a poll tax. #WestVirginia ended all taxes on firearms and ammunition sighting that very thing in 2021.
Bad ideas start on the coasts and spread like herpes in a gay bath house. Be very wary of any idea coming in to your state sponsored by outside groups and billionaires. Here in Arizona we just defeated rank choice voting (RVC) and jungle primary proposition that would have californicated our elections. Be very aware. What the left cannot get done in your legislature they will try by proposition. These are all posed as ‘popularly supported common sense solutions’ and are cast in nebulous language. When in doubt vote no on propositions. So what if Colorado passed a tax on… Read more »