Minnesota could be on the verge of breakthrough changes in some of its gun laws, as a bipartisan group of lawmakers heads toward passing a bill to end firearm ownership for convicted stalkers and domestic abusers.

Until now, no restriction on gun ownership has been too small to draw the fierce opposition of gun rights groups and their supporters. Just a year ago, a proposal for broader background checks for firearms purchases was crushed at the Capitol despite attempts to weaken the bill enough to get it approved.

This time, a rank-and-file police officer — who also happens to be a DFL House member from St. Paul Park — is leading the effort to take all firearms, including rifles, away from those who stalk or abuse their partners. His careful ­legislative campaign is winning surprising support.

Rep. Dan Schoen said he well knows how contentious gun bills can be at the Capitol. “I have tried to have the conversation in a nonexplosive manner,” Schoen said. “So far, we’ve been able to do it. And I think it is a significant step.”

http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/256849681.html