Bill to Bolster Crime Victim Support, Behavioral Health Programs Passes Senate Committee
New funds would go to crime victims grant programs, public safety grants, and behavioral health services
DENVER, CO – Today the Senate Finance Committee passed legislation to refer a measure to the ballot that would fund the Colorado Crime Victims Services Fund and behavioral health crisis response services by creating an excise tax on the firearm industry.
If approved by voters in the November 2024 election, HB24-1349, sponsored by Senators Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, would create a new excise tax on gun dealers, gun manufacturers, and ammunition vendors beginning April 1, 2025. As amended, this bill would generate approximately $39 million annually.
“Coloradans have shown time and again that they want to make our communities safer, and supporting crime victims is a critical part of that,” Hansen said. “With this measure, Coloradans would have the chance to vote to ensure victim services like youth behavioral health care and violence prevention are sustained for years to come. These programs are essential across the state and can help cut off the cycle of crime before it continues.”
“With federal funding for the Victims of Crime Act to decrease in Colorado by 40 to 50 percent in the next year, it is so important we pass this measure to support victims of crime,” said Buckner. “Many families in my community rely on services like housing support and legal advocacy as they navigate their painful ordeal – which is why I’m proud to sponsor this legislation to create consistent funding for them.”
The funds would be allocated in the following manner:
$30 million to the Colorado Crime Victims Services fund for crime victim services grants;
$9 million to the Behavioral Health Administration to provide crisis resolution services to youth experiencing a behavioral health crisis, and to provide mental health services for veterans; and
Any remaining funds to the Crime Victim Services fund for additional grants to support crime victims and survivors.
Small businesses with less than $20,000 in annual retail sales and retail sales to peace officers, law enforcement agencies, and active duty military members are exempt from this bill.
The bill now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Follow its progress HERE.