The KK proposal appears to be passing, with about 54 percent of Colorado residents voting in favor of the measure as of 8:40 p.m. The proposal imposes a 6.5 percent excise tax on gun sellers for all firearms, ammunition and accessories such as scopes.

If ultimately approved, the tax would apply to firearms sellers who make more than $20,000 annually. It is expected to raise about $39 million a year for programs to support crime victims, veterans and students.

The push for the new excise tax came from the Legislature and followed cuts to federal Crime Victims Act funding that resulted in fewer dollars for Colorado programs that support survivors of domestic violence and other crimes. As of 2018, VOCA funding has dropped in the state from more than $50 million to just $13 million.

Under Proposition KK, merchants can choose to absorb the tax or pass it on to customers. Purchases by members of law enforcement and active duty military will be exempt from the tax, as will private sales between individuals who are not licensed firearms or ammunition dealers.

House Majority Leader Monica Duran, who helped put the measure on the ballot, said it shows support for domestic violence survivors as the state continues to see an increase in cases. “This is Prop KK. Say, you know what? It matters, we’re here for you and we’ll make sure we hold your hand every step of the way so you can stand on your own and be successful in whatever you decide to do,” she said.

The money will go to fund a number of different things.

• Most of the money, an estimated $30 million, would go toward grants to local governments and nonprofits to help crime victims with everything from counseling and legal advocacy to emergency financial assistance.
• Five million dollars would go toward mental health support for veterans who have exhausted their federal benefits.
• Three million dollars would go towards support services for young people in mental health crises.
• The remaining $1 million would be dedicated to public schools to increase school safety.

Passage of Proposition KK would make Colorado the first state in the nation to pass an excise tax on firearms and ammunition. Duran said he has spoken with lawmakers in Nebraska and Kansas who are interested in doing something similar. California passed similar tax legislation because it does not have TABOR.