Bill seeks tighter reins on Ohio casinos

By Marc Kovac

COLUMBUS — A Republican lawmaker hopes to gain support for new legislation placing tighter controls on the state’s coming casinos.

Sen. Tim Grendell of Chesterland, R-18th, recently introduced Senate Bill 206, which would limit contributions from casino interests to $500 per year per political campaign.

He also offered SB 208 requiring casino managers, operators, gaming employees and suppliers to pass criminal-background checks and prohibit the hiring of convicted felons.

Both bills await hearings in Senate committees. Grendell called the provisions “guardrails” on casino gambling.

“We acknowledge the people of Ohio voted to have casinos,” he said. “But we think it’s incumbent on the Legislature to carry out its responsibilities to protect the health, safety and welfare of Ohioans.”

Grendell joined the Ohio Christian Alliance in a Statehouse press conference Thursday urging passage of the legislation.

“Requiring criminal background checks for those who work or operate casinos in Ohio only makes sense,” said Chris Long, alliance president. “Many businesses already require criminal background checks as a prerequisite for employment. Even most churches require this before individuals can work or volunteer.”

He added, concerning the campaign contributions bill, “This goes far beyond other legislation being considered that would only limit the contributions by casino owners, corralling any attempts by casino owners and operators to contribute through various sources or entities.”