Proposition KK supporters rally at the Colorado Capitol

DENVER (KDVR) — Should Coloradans pay more for guns to help mental health services? It is a question voters in the state will see on their ballots this year.

Colorado voters will decide if people buying guns and ammunition should pay more to help state services. Proposition KK will ask voters statewide if people buying guns and ammo should pay a 6.5% sales tax.

“In 2022, 1,033 Coloradans lost their lives to gun violence. The crisis demands action. That’s why Prop KK is going to move us forward,” said state Sen. Tom Sullivan, a longtime advocate of victims’ rights following the death of his son during the Aurora theater shooting in 2012.

The question did not have an easy journey getting on the ballot.

“Different organizations came together to help navigate and find that compromise because they know even better than we do what is at risk and what those numbers are and what we need to make sure we bring in so people don’t lose those jobs or services. So, same thing as we do in the beginning: We stakehold, we talk, we compromise,” said House Majority Leader Monica Duran, a lead sponsor of the bill behind the initiative.

Duran said planning to get the question on the ballot started last summer.

Earlier this year, lawmakers proposed an 11% sales tax before reducing it to 9% and ultimately settling on 6.5%. If the proposition passes, a gun purchased for $550 would have a sales tax of around $36 on that purchase, based on estimates from the state’s Legislative Council.

Victim services say funding from potential gun tax is needed

While guns would cost a little more, people who provide the services say the funding is needed.

“We are very much struggling. VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) fundings are mainly used to pay for staffing and operations,” said Soledad Diaz of Violence Free Colorado. “And this means some programs might lose staff, half or 40% of the staff. And that is the real struggle right now. It’s enough to keep doors open. We’d love to see more so we can innovate and grow. But this will definitely help us keep our doors open, yes.”

This question is one lawmakers put on the ballot. If the measure fails, providers say there is not enough money in the state budget to fund the services they need.

Ian Escalante, executive director of Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, opposed the measure and said in a statement: “Proposition KK is nothing more than a concerted effort to discourage and punish gun ownership. Imposing a tax on firearms and ammunition while Coloradans continue to have their cost of living skyrocket, and violent crime is rampant in our major cities, will only lead to one thing: Low-income Coloradans will be left defenseless because of the additional financial burden. That is the goal of Prop. KK.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.