Written by: T. Cohen

The Democrat-controlled Colorado legislature is considering a measure that would add a significant tax on all gun and ammunition purchases in the state. This tax, if approved, could increase the cost of firearms, ammunition, and gun parts by 9 percent.

The proposal, House Bill 24-1349, has raised concerns among conservatives who view it as an attack on the constitutionally protected right to bear arms.

PRIME SPONSOR

• Rep. Monica Duran (email)

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Monica Duran of Jefferson County, who also serves as the House Majority Leader, is being touted as a means to generate an estimated $60 million annually to support crime victim services and other causes.

However, critics argue that this is merely a guise to disguise the true purpose of the legislation, which they believe is to infringe upon the rights of law-abiding Coloradans.

Proponents of the bill argue that it is not a gun control measure but rather a revenue-generating initiative. They claim that the additional tax would benefit programs such as the Colorado crime victims services fund, the victim and witness assistance and law enforcement fund, and the state's wildlife cash fund.

They contend that the tax would provide crucial funding for services such as temporary housing, legal aid, and support for victims of domestic violence and other crimes.

The measure is currently being debated in the House Finance committee, where a potential amendment to lower the proposed tax rate from 11 percent to 9 percent is still being considered.

If the bill passes the legislature, it would then be put before voters in the November election. Only California has implemented a similar tax in recent history, further highlighting the controversial nature of this proposal.

Opponents of the bill, including gun rights groups like Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, are expressing their concerns before the committee. They argue that this tax would disproportionately burden law-abiding gun owners, hindering their ability to exercise their Second Amendment rights.

Rep. Duran, the sponsor of the bill, is also behind two other measures seeking to put additional questions on the ballot.

One of these questions pertains to the right to bail for first-degree murder suspects, while the other addresses the ability to bring civil claims against abusers, regardless of when the incidents occurred.

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As the debate over HB24-1349 continues, Coloradans are closely watching to see how their elected officials handle this contentious issue. The proposed tax on gun and ammunition purchases has ignited a passionate response from conservatives who view it as an assault on their constitutionally protected rights.

The November ballot will ultimately provide an opportunity for voters to have their say on this matter of great importance to the state of Colorado.