Revisions remove casinos from Ohio state troopers' plate

COLUMBUS (AP) — Investigators in the Ohio attorney general’s office — not state troopers — would handle law enforcement in the state’s new casinos under changes to a bill being considered by a House panel.

Proposed revisions to the wide-ranging legislation were announced today at a House State Government and Elections Committee hearing.

The initial proposal had given the Ohio State Highway Patrol the power to investigate crimes within the casinos. Lawmakers were concerned that could overextend the patrol’s troopers, who currently watch over state highways and investigate crimes on state property.

The gaming bill is a top priority this year to legislative leaders, as the state prepares for the openings of voter-approved casinos in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus and Toledo.

The Ohio Newspaper Association is opposed to public records exemptions in the bill.