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Frequently Asked Questions

Listed below are some commonly asked questions about JCARR and the rule-making process. If you do not see the question you are looking for, or require additional information, please contact the JCARR office at (614) 466-4086.

When is the next JCARR meeting?

JCARR meets approximately every three weeks throughout the year. Click here to view the tentative meeting schedule.

What is the difference between the Regular Agenda and the No Change Agenda?

The Regular Agenda contains rules filed by state agencies, boards, and commissions that are proposed as new, amended, or rescinded rules. The No Change Agenda contains rules that have been filed where no changes to the rule have been made by the filing agency pursuant to ORC 106.031. Click here to see the tentative agendas for the upcoming JCARR meeting.

How do I find out the status of a rule?

To determine the status of a rule, you can always contact the filing agency directly or JCARR with the rule number of the rule you are searching for. Once you determine the status or if you wish to track a specific rule from its original filing, it might be helpful to join the JCARR mailing list so that you will receive the Weekly Report of rule filings each week. Click here to join the JCARR mailing list.

Another option to follow rules is to join RuleWatch Ohio. The website lets you follow rules by subject area or individual rule. When there is action on a rule you are following, you will receive an email notice. The RuleWatch website is www.rulewatchohio.gov.

When does a rule go into effect?

The effective date of a rule is determined by two different factors:
1) When the rule leaves JCARR jurisdiction; and
2) When the agency files the rule in final form with JCARR, the Legislative Service Commission, and the Secretary of State. The agency assigns an effective date which cannot be less than 10 days from the date of the final filing; however, an agency may choose to assign an effective date that is more than 10 days from the date of the final filing.

Who is on the JCARR committee?

The committee consists of five Senate members appointed by the President of the Senate and five House members appointed by the Speaker of the House. The Chair of the committee is a member of the House in odd numbered years and a member of the Senate in even numbered years. Click here to see the current JCARR members.

How do I comment on rules?

Since rules can only be written or amended by the filing agency, contacting the agency directly or submitting comments at the agency-conducted public hearing are appropriate venues for commenting on proposed rules. Oral or written comments may also be submitted or offered when the rules come before JCARR at the JCARR commitee meeting.

Where can I view or get copies of a rule?

Currently proposed rules and their accompanying documents can be obtained via the Register of Ohio (ROO), which is maintained by the Legislative Service Commission (LSC). The ROO has various search options which allows one to view, download, and print copies of rules. In addition, many agencies currently post their proposed rules on their agency website.

How can I find out what JCARR terms mean?

The definitions section of the JCARR Procedures Manual lists many of the terms used in the rule-making process. If you still have any questions, contact the JCARR office for further clarification.

Does JCARR invalidate rules?

No, JCARR does not invalidate rules. The committee may recommend to the entire General Assembly the invalidation of a rule based on one or more of the legislative review criteria. In order for a rule to be invalidated, a concurrent resolution  to invalidate the rule must pass both chambers of the General Assembly. If a rule is invalidated, the agency may not file the rule again for the remaining term of the General Assembly.

If a rule is filed in December, is the public hearing still between the 31st and 40th day?

Yes, the law still requires the agency to have a public hearing 31 to 40 days after the rule is filed. The hearing clock does not start with the first General Assembly day of the new year.