Ohio Administrative Code rule 5101:4-1-15 was amended as a result of the United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), publishing the Race and Ethnicity Data Collection final rule on December 14, 2023. The rule revises Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) regulation at CFR 272.6(g) that covers the requirements for the collection and reporting of race and ethnicity data by state agencies of individuals applying for and receiving SNAP benefits.

SNAP applications include the option for applicants to indicate their race and ethnicity. Previously, if the applicant did not disclose this information, the agency could use observation from the interview as an alternate means to gather the data when the information was not included on the application form. Changes to rule prohibit observation as an alternate means to collect and report race and ethnicity data.

The Office of Family Assistance (OFA) has completed a review of the following rule. This rule has been subject to a review by the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR). The changes will become effective on 7/1/2024.

Chapter 1000

5101:4-1-15 "Food assistance: nondiscrimination and program complaints."

This rule describes the process and procedures for county agencies to meet Federal nondiscrimination requirements, the process when individuals allege discrimination, and/or how to file program complaints. Changes to the rule include: 

• Paragraph (F)(3)(c) was updated to prohibit the county agency from using observations during the interview as a means to collect racial/ethnic data to comply with required data reporting; and
• Restrictive language removed throughout the rule for clarity.