Senate panel backs substitute for bill easing casino-employment background checks

Delegate Lashrecse A. McQuinn, the House patron, told the Senate General Laws and Technology Committee that House Bill 218 would "modernize how Virginia evaluates service permit application for casino gaming employees" and "does not weaken oversight," arguing the change would expand employment opportunities for people with past convictions.

McQuinn said the measure is intended as a workforce bill to help Virginians who have struggled to find employment and to reduce recidivism by giving more applicants a chance at casino-related jobs.

Kimberly Booker, a workforce development professional and founder of NextGen Business Enterprises, testified that the substitute aligns criminal-background review with industry standards. "Currently, industry standards are about 7 to 8 years" for background checks, Booker said, adding that the Commonwealth’s current practice effectively looks "back to birth," including juvenile records.

Committee members pressed the patron on specific exclusions and whether financial crimes would remain disqualifying. The bill’s sponsor and witnesses clarified the substitute would retain disqualifying categories used in industry practice while narrowing the look-back window to the proposed standard.

The substitute was moved, seconded and advanced by the committee for referral to the Senate Finance Committee for fiscal review and further consideration. The clerk recorded the procedural motion to report and refer the substitute to finance.