City to Consider Kennesaw-Inspired Gun Law

Move over, Guntown USA.

Nelson, a city on the Cherokee-Pickens County line, is considering a Kennesaw-inspired gun law of its own, according to WSB-TV.

"I always thought that eventually there would be other jurisdictions that would consider a similar ordinance," said Kennesaw Police Lt. Craig Graydon, who for years has fielded calls from reporters around the world interested in the city's famous 1982 gun law. We never "envisioned we would be the only city to have something like that."

Nelson City Councilmember Duane Cronic raised the idea because there is no one to patrol the city for a 16-hour period overnight, WSB-TV reported.

With some exceptions, Cronic proposes that every homeowner in Nelson be required to own a gun if the city council endorses the proposal.

Councilmembers may discuss, and possibly vote on, the matter at the April 1 meeting.

If the measure passes, Kennesaw's Graydon may not be the only person in Georgia that reporters around the globe use as a resource.

And that's fine with him.

"That's not a problem at all," he said.

The Law in Kennesaw—and Maybe Nelson

Article II. Firearms

Sec. 34-21. Heads of households to maintain firearms.

(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.

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