The Republican National Lawyers Association’s (RNLA) annual Policy Conference took place in Arlington, VA on Friday, May 17. Marc Ellinger, RNLA Chair and Partner at Ellinger Bell (right) moderated the annual Attorneys General Panel with (from L to R) Attorney General Steve Marshall representing the State of Alabama, Attorney General Brenna Bird from the State of Iowa, and Attorney General Alan Wilson of the State of South Carolina. As state Attorneys General are leading the fight against regulatory overreach, this hour-long panel explored the damage being done by the federal government to private property and civil rights. From crushing environmental regulations, to the redefining of men and women, and the restriction on 1st and 2nd Amendment rights, these Attorneys General are leading the fight across the United States.

Marc regularly advises clients on issues concerning lobbying, state and federal campaign finance, and ballot measures. Ellinger Bell clients include candidates, committees, political subdivisions, and other entities in all areas of election and political law. Our lawyers have represented state and federal candidates, ballot measure or issue committees, non-profit advocacy groups, as well as state and federal PACs. Marc is uniquely positioned to see election and political law issues from multiple perspectives and develop a comprehensive strategy to protect, preserve, and further client’s interests.
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As the principal national organization of Republican lawyers, the RNLA has a targeted set of missions, which include: advancing professionalism, ensuring open, fair and honest elections, promoting career opportunities, and working to defend and advocate for Republican ideals.

On May 15, 2024, Marc Ellinger presented arguments in the Western District Court of Appeals in Kansas City to stop the proliferation of illegal gambling devices across Missouri. Torch Electronics has emerged as a significant operator of such machines. Torch initially brought a lawsuit against the Missouri State Highway Patrol, aiming to prevent the seizure of illegal slot machines. The Missouri Gaming Association, represented by Ellinger Bell, intervened in that suit to stop Torch’s operations of illegal, unregulated slot machines across Missouri.
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The case underscores broader concerns about the regulation of gambling in Missouri. Ellinger Bell, representing the Missouri Gaming Association, seeks to ensure that only regulated gambling is allowed in the state. These efforts are motivated by the Association's commitment to responsible gaming practices, including preventing underage gambling and addressing problem gambling issues. In addition, the illegal activities of Torch directly and negatively impact the Association’s members. This case represents a key moment in the ongoing efforts to stop unregulated gambling activities in Missouri.

The Missouri Gaming Association (MGA) is the statewide trade association of the Missouri casino entertainment industry and its related professionals. The Missouri Gaming Association membership includes representatives of the 13 Missouri casino properties. Formed in 1993, the Missouri Gaming Association works to increase awareness of the economic benefits the casino industry brings to Missouri.

​Stephanie Bell emceed the Community Leader Breakfast sponsored by the Southern Boone Economic Development Council on Thursday, April 18th.

Bell shared remarks on what living in Ashland has meant to her personal and professional life. Attendees heard a Keynote from Michelle Hataway, the Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, as well as updates from representatives from the Columbia Regional Airport, Boone County, the City of Ashland, Ranken Technical College, the Southern Boone School District. Attendees also had the opportunity to share business challenges and successes with one another and engage directly and with community and industry leaders.
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The annual Breakfast continues to be a valuable forum for partnership-building and dialogue about the region’s economic landscape.

​Marc Ellinger argued in the Missouri Supreme Court Wednesday, April 17th on the Laura Salamun vs. The Camden County Clerk. Listen to the argument here: https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=171834&year=2024...

​Last Friday, the Republican National Lawyers Association (RNLA) hosted an insightful webinar moderated by Marc Ellinger on the topic of noncitizen voting and the border crisis.

In this timely webinar, participants delved into the complex issues surrounding noncitizen voting and its implications for our electoral system. With the recent surge in migration at the border, understanding the intersection between immigration policies and voting rights had never been more crucial.

Esteemed guests joined the program, including an elections reporter from The Federalist and two distinguished representatives from America First Legal. Together, they provided expert analysis and insights into the legal, political, and practical aspects of noncitizen voting and the ongoing border crisis.

Marc Ellinger guided the discussion, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the topic and facilitating meaningful dialogue among the panelists. With his wealth of experience in law and public policy, Marc brought a unique perspective to the conversation, enriching our understanding of these critical issues.
The webinar provided valuable insights into one of the most pressing challenges facing our nation today. We appreciate everyone who attended and participated in the engaging and informative discussion.

Stephanie Bell, recently attended the Global Gaming Women (GGW) meet-up held in London. GGW sponsored the Game Changers Panel & Networking Event.

The event, renowned for its commitment to empowering women across the gaming sector, provided a platform for industry leaders like Bell to share insights and foster meaningful connections.

GGW captured the event in a video, available here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/global-gaming-women_ice24-ice2024-icelondon-activity-7161387796245405697-yyrc?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

​Marc Ellinger recently led pivotal discussions as a moderator at the first ever joint Masterclass between the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL) and the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR). The event, held on Monday, 5th February, brought together industry leaders and regulatory authorities to address critical issues shaping the gaming sector.

Marc Ellinger facilitated discussions on the fundamentals of good regulation and the importance of regulatory collaboration. Panelists, Andrew Rhodes, Chair of the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, Tim Richards EVP and Chief Strategy Officer at Everi Holdings, Inc., and Tracey Elkerton, Chief Compliance Officer for Aristocrat Leisure Limited, explored topics such as consumer protection, market integrity, and future-proofing regulation amidst technological advancements.
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Marc Ellinger's moderation skills, experience and knowledge of gaming law enriched the dialogue, offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of the gaming industry. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to engage in substantive discussions, share best practices, and explore collaborative approaches towards regulatory excellence and operational efficiency. The joint IMGL/IAGR Masterclass with Marc Ellinger as moderator, underscored the industry's commitment to navigating challenges and fostering innovation. By facilitating meaningful discussions and fostering collaboration, Ellinger and the panelists paved the way for a more resilient and sustainable gaming industry.

​In a period marked by continuity and a commitment to the founding vision, the Jefferson City Chapter of the Federalist Society recently witnessed a change in leadership. Following the tenure of Jennifer Bukowsky, Marc Ellinger assumed the presidency, continuing the chapter's tradition of dynamic leadership and community engagement.

Marc follows in the footsteps of Stephanie Bell, who served as president from 2017 to 2019. Together the late David Welch, Ellinger and Bell are the chapter's three initial founding members. The transition in leadership reflects the chapter's enduring commitment to excellence and its ability to adapt to evolving challenges and opportunities.

Beyond leadership transitions, the Jefferson City Chapter has a robust calendar of events, including at least six gatherings per year consisting of a mix of legal programs on current issues and social events.

As the chapter enters a new chapter under Ellinger's leadership, it does so with a sense of purpose and a commitment to building upon the legacy of those who have come before. With each event and initiative, the chapter reaffirms its dedication to the principles of the Federalist Society.
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The Jefferson City Chapter looks forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. With Marc Ellinger at the helm, the chapter stands poised to continue its tradition of excellence and to make a meaningful difference across Missouri.

​The ongoing legal battle over Missouri House Rule 127, which allows lawmakers to maintain confidentiality over certain documents, has now moved the Missouri Court of Appeals Western District. The Court recently heard oral arguments regarding the rule's compliance with the 2018 voter-approved constitutional amendment, Clean Missouri, which subjects the General Assembly to transparency laws.

Marc Ellinger, representing the Missouri House, argued that the House could have imposed even stricter restrictions on access and emphasized that the documents were produced with minimal redactions. He contended that while Clean Missouri rendered legislative records public, it did not automatically classify them as open records. Ellinger highlighted the distinction between public records and open records, asserting that legislative records "shall be public records and subject to generally applicable state laws governing public access to public records, including the 'Sunshine Law.'"

The legal dispute originated from a 2019 lawsuit filed by Mark Pedroli, a St. Louis-based attorney specializing in government transparency. The case was prompted by a St. Louis Post-Dispatch report revealing letters allegedly sent by constituents supporting legislation against out-of-state companies. Pedroli's lawsuit claims that some legislators withheld records or redacted information when asked to produce emails resembling those received by elected officials.

The Cole County Circuit Court previously ruled in favor of the House in January, asserting that the Sunshine Law allows certain records to be protected and only grants access to open and public records. The appeals court judges, however, provided few indications of their leanings during the recent hearing.

The outcome of this legal battle, which may ultimately reach the Missouri Supreme Court on appeal, will significantly impact the delicate balance between legislative confidentiality and the public's right to transparency. Marc Ellinger's arguments and the court's eventual decision will play a crucial role in shaping the interpretation and application of transparency laws in Missouri.