The commissioner may employ stewards for thoroughbred racing, judges for harness racing, greyhound racing and jai alai, and veterinarians who shall be exempt from classified service, and may employ, subject to the provisions of chapter 67, such other employees as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter. The commissioner shall require such persons to submit to state and national criminal history records checks before being employed. The criminal history records checks required pursuant to this section shall be conducted in accordance with § 29-17a. All persons employed pursuant to this section, with the exception of any steward, judge or veterinarian, shall be residents of the state at the time of and during the full term of their employment.