Changes have been proposed to the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) rules listed below. If no further revisions are made prior to their finalization by the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR), the revised rules will become effective on a permanent basis on March 1, 2012. If changes are necessary, a copy of the revised rules will be forwarded to you at that time.

Chapter 3000

5101:4-3-11.2, "Food assistance: employment and training program sanctions and compliance"

This rule sets forth the sanction and compliance policy for individuals who fail to participate in the Food Assistance Employment and Training Program. Paragraph (C) has been amended to update a rule citation. Paragraph (D) has been amended to further clarify the definition of an Ohio Works First assistance group. This definition now aligns with the definition in rule 5101:4-3-09, "Food Assistance: Ohio Works First Appraisal, Self-Sufficiency Contract Requirements, and Sanctions." The definition of an Ohio Works First assistance group was changed with Food Assistance Transmittal Letter #299, after clarification was received from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service that all members of an assistance group must receive Ohio Works First in order to be considered an Ohio Works First assistance group.

Chapter 7000

5101:4-7-01, "Food assistance: reporting requirements during the certification period"

This rule sets forth the reporting requirements for assistance groups during the certification period. Paragraphs (I) and (J) have been amended to update a rule citation. Paragraph (K)(4) has been amended to further clarify the policy for changes that result in a decrease in food assistance benefits. Notice of adverse actions now must be sent within ten days from the date of change.

Instructions: The following chart identifies the material that should be removed from the Food Assistance Certification Handbook and the material that should be added.