In accordance with section 106.03 of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC), each state agency is required to review each of its rules in the Ohio Administrative Code a minimum of once every five years. The intent of the review is to ensure that Administrative Code rules are clearly written and that program requirements are accurate, up-to-date and clearly expressed. To the extent possible, unnecessary paperwork will be eliminated, local agencies will be given increased flexibility, and any adverse impact on businesses will be eliminated or reduced. As a result of the review, the agency may amend the rule; rescind the rule; or continue the rule without amendment.

The rule has been subject to a review by the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR). The rule will become effective on 02/28/2017.

Chapter 1000

5101: 4-1-15, "Food assistance: nondiscrimination."

The rule describes processes and procedures for county agencies to meet Federal nondiscrimination requirements. The Office of Family Assistance amended this rule. Changes to the rule include: clarifying categories of race, ethnicity, and the categories of people protected from discrimination; updating the process for filing a discrimination complaint with the United Sates Department of Agriculture; and replacing the term "food assistance" with "supplemental nutrition assistance program." No changes were made affecting eligibility of applicants or recipients, or to the way county agencies administer the program.