The new funds will go to crime victim grant programs, public safety grants and behavioral health services.
Denver, Colorado – The House of Representatives today passed a bill sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran and Representative Meg Froelich that would create an excise tax on services for Colorado Crime Victim Services, the School Security Spending Program, and the Behavioral Health Crisis Response System. A bill was put to a vote that would provide funding for firearms industry. HB24-1349 passed on his 44-18 vote.
“When I was a young single mother, Victim Services played an important role in helping me navigate the justice system so I could safely escape from my abuser.” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, a Wheat Ridge Democrat. “With significant reductions in funding for victim services over the next few years, victims in Colorado will no longer have access to the resources they need to stay safe and healthy. Voters will be able to decide whether to create an excise tax on firearms to continue funding victim services. Without these services, I wouldn't be here today. By creating it, we can ensure other survivors have the funds they need to get their lives back on track.”
“Victims of domestic violence face challenges navigating the legal system to seek justice, begin the healing process, and obtain safe housing and financial security.” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Inglewood. “Unfortunately, safety net services for survivors are desperately underfunded and facing significant cuts in federal funding. Firearms play a critical role in these crimes. is proposing that Colorado voters create a small tax on firearm purchases to increase funding for lifesaving services.
If approved by voters in the November 2024 election; HB24-1349 The bill would create a new excise tax on gun dealers, gun manufacturers, and ammunition dealers starting April 1, 2025. The bill, as amended, would generate approximately $54 million annually. If approved by Colorado voters, the funds would be allocated in the following ways:
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$35 million in Crime Victim Services Grants to the Colorado Crime Victim Services Fund
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Contributes $10 million to the School Security Expenditure Program cash fund for grant programs such as the School Access Grant Program for Emergency Response, the School Security Expenditure Grant Program, and the Youth Violence Prevention Grant Program.
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Contributes $5 million to the Office of Behavioral Health Services to provide crisis resolution services to youth facing behavioral health crises.
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$5 million for veterans' mental health services;
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The remaining funds will be donated to Crime Victim Services for additional grants to support crime victims and survivors.
Small businesses with annual retail sales of less than $20,000 and retail sales to security forces, law enforcement, and active-duty military are exempt from the bill.
