Notwithstanding the provisions of the Race Horse Industry Reform Act or this part, the Pennsylvania State Police shall, at the request of the commissions or the board, provide criminal history background investigations, which shall include records of criminal arrests and convictions, no matter where occurring, including Federal criminal history record information, on applicants for licensure and permit applicants by the respective agencies pursuant to the Race Horse Industry Reform Act or this part. Requests for criminal history background investigations may, at the direction of the commissions or the board, include, but not be limited to, officers, directors and stockholders of licensed corporations, key employees, financial backers, principals, gaming employees, horse owners, trainers, jockeys, drivers and other persons participating in thoroughbred or harness horse meetings and other persons and vendors who exercise their occupation or employment at such meetings, licensed facilities or licensed racetracks. For the purposes of this part, the board and commissions may receive and retain information otherwise protected by 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 91 (relating to criminal history record information).