(a) Board members shall employ under the "Personnel Code", as now or hereafter amended, such representatives, accountants, clerks, stenographers, inspectors, and other employees as may be necessary. No person shall be appointed or hold any office or position under the Board who, or any member of whose family, is: (1) an official of, or has any financial or ownership interest in any licensee or occupation licensee engaged in conducting racing within this State, or,(2) an owner, trainer, jockey, or harness driver of a horse competing at a race meeting under the jurisdiction of the Board.(b) Any employee violating the prohibitions set forth in subsection (a) of this Section shall be subject to the termination of his or her employment. If the Board determines that an employee is in violation of subsection (a) of this Section and should be discharged, it must observe the procedures outlined in the "Personnel Code", as now or hereafter amended, as they apply to discharge proceedings.(c) No person employed by the Board during the 12 months preceding the effective date of this Act shall be terminated from employment due to a violation of the prohibitions set forth in subsection (a) of this Section.P.A. 89-16, eff. 5/30/1995.