This information was posted in the thread about listing names and addresses of gun owners. I was very surprised to read the results, and curious about if this kind of law exists in other places in the US.
Tina McMillan (reposted from Rohnert Park Patch)
7:53 pm on Sunday, December 30, 2012
Publishing the names of gun owners doesn't stop the risk of crime associated with gun ownership.
There is actually a town in Kennesaw, Georgia that passed a gun law in 1982 compelling all heads of households to maintain a firearm with ammunition. Between 1982 and 2005 crime in Kennesaw was reduced by 50%. Crime rates remain at half the U.S. average. The Kennesaw law was a response to a place called Morton Grove, Illinois that in 1981, prohibited gun ownership. That law was repealed in 2008 while the Kennasaw law stands. Understanding how to address the dangers associated with guns rather than going to the extreme of outlawing all guns seems to be the missing element.
"In 1982 Kennesaw passed an ordinance [Sec 34-21][18]
(a) In order to provide for the emergency management of the city, and further in order to provide for and protect the safety, security and general welfare of the city and its inhabitants, every head of household residing in the city limits is required to maintain a firearm, together with ammunition therefore.
(b)Exempt from the effect of this section are those heads of households who suffer a physical or mental disability which would prohibit them from using such a firearm. Further exempt from the effect of this section are those heads of households who are paupers or who conscientiously oppose maintaining firearms as a result of beliefs or religious doctrine, or persons convicted of a felony."