ELECTRONIC RULE FILING:

If you are using a different version of RAS, Internet Explorer, Adobe Reader, or if you are using Netscape, you may notice minor differences when attempting to perform some functions as described in this document.

Additional information regarding the preparation and filing of rules can be found at these locations:

· Rule Authoring Software and Electronic Rule Filing training class materials

· Rule Filers Website at http://www.registerofohio.state.oh.us/filers/

· LSC and JCARR filing manuals.

Familiarity with JCARR rule filing procedures and LSC rule-drafting guidelines is highly recommended before using the Electronic Rule Filing system. Attending the Rule Authoring Software and Electronic Rule Filing classes is also highly recommended.

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DEFINITIONS:

Original Rule Filing - The initial filing of a rule (amended, new, or rescinded) under sections 111.15, or 119.03 of the R.C. for the 65-day review by JCARR. The 65-day review period is computed by excluding the day the original filing is made and including the last day. Original rules can be filed in final form on or after the 66th day.

IBR - Incorporated By Reference (as in "materials incorporated by reference") per Senate Bill 265. IBR materials can be uploaded to the ERF website in PDF format.

RSFA - Rule Summary and Fiscal Analysis. A form that must accompany each rule that is subject to JCARR review.

ERF - Electronic Rule Filing. The system and website used to electronically file rules.

RAS - Rule Authoring Software. The software used to create XML files used when electronically filing rules.

PDF - Portable Document Format; a file format developed by Adobe. Using Adobe's free Adobe Reader software (which can be installed on most computers), anyone receiving a PDF file, regardless of operating system or computer type, can open and read a PDF file. For more information on PDFs, visit this link: http://desktoppub.about.com/cs/pdf/index.htm

XML - EXtensible Markup Language. Documents created in XML are easy to transmit and share across the web, which is what the Electronic Rule System requires since it is a web-based application. The Rule Authoring software allows filers to create rule bodies and other filing documents in XML format so these files can be transmitted across the web.

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THE BIG PICTURE:

The Original Filing is the initial filing of a rule (amended, new, or rescinded) under sections 111.15, or 119.03 of the revised code (R.C.). Rules filed under sections 111.15 and 119.03 are subject to a 65-day review by JCARR. All filing documents that can be included in an Original Filing are processed by the Electronic Rule Filing system, including the Public Hearing Notice, RSFA Attachment, and Appendix.

During the 65-day JCARR review period, the rules can be revised, refiled, withdrawn, or placed in "To Be Refiled" status (TBR'd). These filing actions are also processed completely by the ERF system. The JCARR manual contains procedures pertaining to an original filing and other filing actions (revising, refiling, etc). The LSC manual contains guidelines for appropriate rule drafting. Both of these manuals are located on-line and can be accessed through the large green "Help!" button on the homepage of the Electronic Rule Filing website.

Public Hearing Notices: Only one Public Hearing Notice can be uploaded per package. Rules that do not pertain to the public hearing should not be included in the package. A separate package should be created to address rules that do not pertain to the Public Hearing.

No corrections during Final Filing: Typos, prior effective dates, taglines, and so on, can NOT be corrected during the Final Filing. Corrections to errors in documents and dates must be made by filing a revision or by refiling. The only exceptions are the effective date and the *next* five year review date, which are entered during the final filing and can be corrected by withdrawing the final filing.

Therefore, during the original filing or any other pre-final filing actions, it is important that you double check all documents, dates, RSFA information, and other rule supplemental information (history trail) for accuracy. If you have questions, please call the ERF help desk.

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RSFA and RULE SUPPLEMENTAL (History Trail) INFORMATION:

As of October 9, 2002, an RSFA created in the Rule Authoring Software

can *not* be uploaded to the ERF website.

As of October 9, 2002, the RSFA (Rule Summary and Fiscal Analysis) is filled out entirely on the ERF website in a series of online forms. Therefore, the Rule Authoring Software is no longer to be used to create or edit an RSFA.

Also, filers are now required to answer to additional RSFA questions regarding materials being "Incorporated by Reference."

If you uploaded an RSFA to the ERF website *before* October 9, your RSFA data will appear on the online forms as it was uploaded. However, you will be required to answer the "Incorporated by Reference" questions on Form 1 before you will be permitted to complete the filing.

If the website's online forms are not adequate for answering the RSFA questions, you can upload additional RSFA information using the RSFA Attachment button. The RSFA attachment must be in PDF file format. See Appendix A for more information on the location of RSFA questions.

Do you need an RSFA? Every rule in a filing that is subject for JCARR review requires an RSFA. This includes rules to be rescinded. Please see the JCARR manual to determine if you need an RSFA. (If you determine you do not need an RSFA, ignore sections of this document dealing specifically with RSFAs.)

RULE SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (HISTORY TRAIL) is filled out on the ERF website. This includes (but is not limited to) the prior effective dates, review dates, statutory authority, and rule amplifies. Because the rule supplemental information is filled out on the website, no supplemental information will appear when viewing a rule body in RAS. See Appendix A for more information on location of Rule Supplemental questions.

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1) Purchase Rule Authoring Software (RAS) or schedule time in rule filing kiosk, send in an Authorization letter, and attend Rule Authoring and Electronic Rule Filing training.

· Purchasing Rule Authoring Software (RAS): Complete information is available at this link: http://www.registerofohio.state.oh.us/filers/jsp/software_acquisition_notice.jsp

· If your agency has chosen not to purchase the Rule Authoring Software, you can use the Rule Filing Kiosk located on the 8th floor of the Riffe Center. Call the ERF helpdesk at 387-2078 to reserve a computer in the kiosk.

· Authorization Letter: Each agency must have its Director send a signed letter designating which agency staff persons will have access to the electronic rule-filing system and what level of authorization each of those persons requires. An example of such a letter is available at this link: http://www.registerofohio.state.oh.us/filers/pdfs/ERFauth.pdf.

· Training: All filers are strongly encouraged to go through training before using the rule authoring software and/or filing rules. For more information, select the training schedule link on this page: http://www.registerofohio.state.oh.us/filers/jsp/ERFUpdatesPage.jsp

2) Request Rule Preparation from LSC for Amend or Rescind rules.

· LSC must prepare existing rules that you wish to amend or rescind in order for you to use these rules in the electronic rule filing system. Therefore, you must first request that LSC prepare the rules for you.

· From internet browser, log on to http://www.registerofohio.state.oh.us/filers and select 'Rule Filing Schedule & Downloading Prepared Rules.'

· Choose 'Submit rule filing schedule' link and follow the directions.

· LSC requests 30 days to prepare rules once they receive your request.

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3) Download prepared Amend and Rescind rules from Electronic Rules Repository (does not apply to New rules).

· If rule is to be Amended or Rescinded, you must first download the prepared rule from the Register of Ohio electronic rules repository onto your computer.

· First, designate a location on your computer where you will store the downloaded rules; or create a new folder to contain the rules.

· Open an internet browser and enter the Register of Ohio address: http://www.registerofohio.state.oh.us. Choose 'Rule Filers Website' from the 'For Rule Filers only' section (do NOT choose ERF website). Then choose Rule Filing Schedule and Downloading Prepared Rules, then Download prepared rules.

· Enter the rule number to download. If you do not have a division, do NOT enter a 0, just leave it blank. Select 'Submit.' A list of rules prepared for the chapter you entered will be displayed. Click on the rule to download (you can only download one rule at a time).

· Choose 'Save' or 'Save the file to disk' and save the rule to the designated location. Repeat this process for each rule you wish to download.

· NOTE: Some filers prefer to keep rules to be Rescinded in a separate folder since these do not have be edited in the RAS.

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4) In RAS (Rule Authoring Software), create or edit the Rule Body, Environmental Impact (EI), and Fiscal B forms as needed.

CREATING A NEW RULE

A New rule is created entirely within the Rule Authoring Software (RAS) so you will not download the rule from the Register of Ohio rule repository website.

· In RAS, select File, Create New Document (S4W) and the Rule icon.

· When entering the rule number, leave the division blank if you do not have a division. Do NOT put a zero in front of the Agency number or Chapter number.

· Enter the text for your rule body and save as XML.

· Create an Environmental Impact or Fiscal B form if needed. Select File, Create New Document (S4W) and the Part B or Environmental Impact icon. Select type "New." Fill out the form completely and save as .XML.

(Note: the training class materials will provide more details on creating a new rule.)

AMENDING A RULE

· If you have not downloaded the rule from the Register of Ohio electronic rule repository onto your computer, please see section 3 above on downloading a prepared rule.

· Open the downloaded rule in RAS by selecting File, Open XML document. Navigate to the location of the rule and select Open.

· Edit the rule body (add new text, strikeout text, etc.).

· Save the rule document as .XML.

· Create an Environmental Impact or Fiscal B form if needed. Select File, Create New Document (S4W) and the Part B or Environmental Impact icon. Select type "AMEND." Fill out the form completely and save as .XML.

(Note: the training class materials will provide more details on amending a rule.)

RESCINDING A RULE

· If you have not downloaded the rule to be rescinded from the Register of Ohio electronic rule repository, please see instructions in section 3 above.

· Open the downloaded rule in RAS by selecting File, Open XML document. Navigate to the location of the rule and select Open.

· Check the rule content to make sure this is the correct version of the rule.

· If rule is correct, simply close the rule (you do not need to save as XML or S4W). If the rule does not appear to be correct, contact the ERF help desk.

· You will not create an Environmental Impact or Fiscal B form for a Rescinded rule.

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5) In RAS, make final corrections to Rule Body and other documents created in RAS.

· All corrections and editing of a new or amended rule, Environmental Impact or Fiscal B form MUST be done within RAS.

· Please carefully review each document before continuing. If you find typos or other errors, open the file, make corrections, and save again as .XML.

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6) In RAS, save documents as XML.

When all editing has been completed, make sure the rule body, Environmental Impact, and/or Fiscal B have been saved as XML.

· To save as S4W files as XML: In RAS, select File, Open Document (S4W), then select Save Document as XML. Select the folder in which you want to save the file. Save each Rule Body, Environmental Impact, and/or Fiscal B as XML.

All documents created or edited in RAS MUST be saved as XML format before uploading to the ERF website!

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7) Log in to the ERF (Electronic Rule Filing) website.

· Open an internet browser and log on to https://erf.registerofohio.state.oh.us. Use the username and password that were provided to you by your agency's ERF authorized contact.

· Some agencies have a different log in and password for each division. You must use the appropriate log in for the division for which you are filing. If you are not sure which password to use, contact your agency's ERF authorized contact.

· Read the 'What's New..' link on the home page for important updates.

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8) Create New Package.

Do not create a new package for each rule.

All amend, rescind and new rules can go in a single package.

Recommended package size is no more than 25 rules.

ORC 119 and 111 rules may NOT be contained within the same package.

· Select "Create a New Package." If applicable, select a division from the dropdown box.

· Enter a package name. You can enter any package name you wish because this information is for your reference only.

· Select the statute "promulgated under."

· If you are not sure which statute to choose, do not proceed! You cannot change the statute once you leave this screen. If you file the rules with an incorrect statute, you will have to recreate the entire package.

· Select package type Typical.

· Select Create.

9) Assign Rule Numbers.

Rule numbers are assigned from the main package content/package management screen.

Each rule number must be assigned (added) to package separately.

· Select the 'Assign Rule' button.

· When entering the rule number, leave the 'Div#' field empty if your agency does not have a division number.

· Do NOT put a zero in front of the agency, division or chapter number.

· Select the rule type (amendment, new, rescission) and select OK.

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10) Complete the RSFA and online question forms.

As of October 9, 2002, the following online question forms are filled out on the RSFA website:

Form 1: Online Data and Supplemental Questions

Form 2: RSFA (pt.A) Rule Summary

Form 3: RSFA (pt. A) Fiscal Analysis

Form 4: Incorporation By Reference (when applicable)

The information gathered in these forms is used to create the RSFA, create the Rule Supplemental information (history trail), supply information regarding materials being Incorporated By Reference, determine need for additional RSFA documents (i.e. RSFA part B) and determine which agencies will receive notification that your electronic filing has been made.

· On the main package content screen, select open next to a rule. The Online Data and Supplemental Questions form (Form 1) will open.

· Fill out all required information and select OK to save. (You will not be permitted to save the form until all required information has been supplied.)

· After saving Form 1, you will be at the rule content screen.

· Forms 2 and 3 will be listed under "Rule Summary and Fiscal Analysis (Part A)."

· Open Forms 2 and 3 and fill out the required information. (Note: the RSFA print/view link will not work until Form 2 or Form 3 has been opened and filled out.)

· Form 4: If you indicated on Form 1 that you will be including materials to be Incorporated by Reference, Form 4 will also appear under "Rule Summary and Fiscal Analysis (Part A)" and must be filled out.

· Select print/view beside the RSFA to view the completed form. If any information needs to be corrected, open the appropriate form and make the correction. Select the "Help-Which form has which question?" link to locate the form on which a specific question is located.

· NOTE: When you print/view the RSFA before the rule body has been uploaded, the following message appears beneath the tagline on the RSFA: (the above tagline is from the draft RSFA; it will be replaced by the current tagline from the rule loaded on the website). This message will disappear once the rule body has been uploaded.

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11) Upload Rule Body and (if applicable) other XML documents created in RAS.

IMPORTANT: ERF documents created in RAS MUST have been saved as XML file format before uploading to the ERF website. Only file formats XML and PDF are accepted. S4W files are not accepted! Word (.doc) files are not accepted!

Uploading the rule body:

· At the main package content screen, select open next to a rule. You should be at the rule content screen that shows the list of documents needed for this rule.

· Select upload next to Rule Body and answer the copyright questions.

· Select 'Browse' and navigate to the location of your saved RAS XML files.

· Locate the file you want to upload and click on the file name. Make sure you select the correct XML version of the rule and the correct TYPE of rule (see Appendix B - 'Understanding RAS File Extensions' for more information). Select 'Open' when you have located the correct file. Then select OK.

· To view what you have uploaded, click on print/view. Adobe Reader will open a window and you can view the uploaded document.

· The document will have a "DRAFT-NOT FOR FILING" header. This header appears on all documents prior to the completion of the filing.

· After viewing the document, close the Adobe window by selecting File, Close.

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Uploading other XML forms:

· If applicable, upload the Environmental Impact and/or Fiscal B. These files must be in XML format.

· To locate, upload and view the forms, follow the same steps listed above in 'Uploading the Rule Body' (see Appendix B - Understanding RAS file extensions for more info).

· The need for an Environmental Impact or RSFA part B is determined by your answers to the online questions on Form 1 specific to these attachments.

o If an Environmental Impact or RSFA part B is required for this rule, but the ERF system does not prompt you to upload one, you will need to change the answer to the online questions pertaining to these forms to 'yes.'

o Conversely, if the ERF system is indicating that you need to upload an Environmental Impact or RSFA part B when you do not, you will need to change the answer to the online questions pertaining to these forms to 'no.'

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· MODIFYING AN ONLINE QUESTION:

o If you need to change the answer to one of the online questions, navigate to the main package content screen and select open next to the appropriate rule.

o Select modify next to the form that contains the question.

o If you are not sure of the location of the question, select the "Help-Which form has which question?" link.

o Locate the question you wish to change, make changes, and select OK or Save.

o Print/view the Rule Body and RSFA Part A to confirm the changes.

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(ERF navigation tip: selecting the package name link in the upper right corner will take you back to the main package content screen.)

12) Upload other filing documents in PDF format as applicable for this filing: Appendix, IBR Materials, RSFA Attachment, Public Hearing Notice, or Additional Communications.

APPENDIX: Documents being uploaded as an Appendix can be in PDF or XML format, if the XML was created using RAS.

o From the main package content screen, select open next to the rule requiring an appendix.

o Select Appendix button on the left. Answer copyright questions, enter the Appendix sequence (enter 1 for A, 2 for B, etc.).

o If rule is amended, select the Appendix type (existing, amend, enacted, rescind).

o Browse for the PDF (or XML) file you want to upload. Select Open, OK.

o You are required to print/view the uploaded PDF or XML before completing the filing.

o Refer to Step 11 for more details on locating, uploading and viewing documents.

o Do not use the RSFA Attachment or Incorporated by Reference buttons to upload an Appendix!

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IBR (Incorporate By Reference) Materials: Materials (documents) being uploaded electronically for Incorporation By Reference must be in PDF format.

o Navigate to the main package content screen and select 'open' next to the rule requiring the RSFA attachment.

o Select the Incorporated By Reference (SB265) button on the left. Supply the document title, answer the copyright questions, and browse to upload the PDF file. If you wish to attach the IBR document to all rules in the package, check the box that says "Add file to all rules in package." For more information on this feature, select the help link located next to it.

o You are required to print/view the uploaded PDF before completing the filing.

o Refer to Step 11 for more details on locating, uploading and viewing documents.

o Do not use the Incorporated by Reference button to upload an Appendix!

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RSFA ATTACHMENT: If an RSFA requires an attachment, you must upload that attachment in PDF form.

o Navigate to the main package content screen and select 'open' next to the rule requiring the RSFA attachment.

o Select the RSFA Attachment button on the left. Supply the document title, answer the copyright questions, and browse to upload the PDF file. If you wish to attach the attachment to all rules in the package, check the box that says "Add attachment to all RSFAs in package." For more information on this feature, select the help link located next to it.

o You are required to print/view the uploaded PDF before completing the filing.

o Refer to Step11 for more details on locating, uploading and viewing documents.

o Do not use the RSFA Attachment button to upload an Appendix!

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE: If the filing requires a Public Hearing Notice (PHN), you must upload the notice in PDF format. Only one PHN is permitted per package. A separate package should be created to address rules that do not pertain to the Public Hearing.

o Navigate to the main package content screen. (ERF navigation tip: selecting the package name link in the upper right corner will take you back to the main package content screen.)

o Select the Upload Public Hearing Notice button on the left.

o Select Browse to locate and upload the PDF.

o Fill out the public hearing information file and select OK.

o You are required to print/view the uploaded PDF before completing the filing.

o NEVER use the Additional Communications button to upload a PHN!

o Refer to Step 11 for more details on locating, uploading and viewing documents.

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ADDITIONAL COMMUNICATION: This function is used to provide additional filing information that was previously contained in the cover letter. Only one Additional Communication document is uploaded per package. The document must be in PDF format.

o Navigate to the main package content screen.

o Select the 'Upload Add'l Communications' button on the left.

o Select Browse to locate and upload the upload the PDF.

o You are required to print/view the uploaded PDF before completing the filing.

o Refer to Step 11 for more details on locating, uploading and viewing documents

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13) Review contents of package before filing.

· From the main package content screen, select the green Status button on the left. A screen will appear showing the list of documents required for this filing.

· Documents required for your filing are indicated with a green checkmark, red X, or blue exclamation point.

In all columns except the RSFA:
X - this document is required and has not yet been uploaded.

! - document has been uploaded but has not yet been viewed

            (each document must be viewed prior to filing)
    [- document is ready for filing

In the RSFA column:
    X - one or more questions on Forms 2 - 4 have not been completed
     ! - RSFA (a) has not been viewed
    [ - document is ready for filing

· You will not be permitted to file if there is a red X or blue exclamation point anywhere on the status sheet. Therefore, you will need to upload, fill out or view each document or form as indicated.

TO EDIT A DOCUMENT ONCE IT IS IN A PACKAGE:

A document that has already been uploaded cannot be edited from within the website by selecting print/view. (Note: RSFA Part A and Rule supplemental information can be modified via the online question forms.)

To edit an error in an XML Document: If you find an error in Rule body text, Environmental Impact or Fiscal B text, you will have to retrieve the document from the website or locate the original XML you uploaded. Open the document in the Rule Authoring Software, make the changes, then save as XML file. Then, you'll go back to the website, open the rule, and use the replace function to upload the corrected XML.

To edit an error in a PDF Document: If you find an error in a Public Hearing Notice, Appendix, RSFA attachment or other PDF document, you will need to retrieve the document from the website or locate the original PDF you uploaded. Next, you will need to make corrections to the PDF in the software your agency is using to create PDFs. Then, you'll go back to the website, open the package and/or rule, and use the replace function to upload the corrected PDF.

View documents carefully! If you discover errors *after* the original filing, you may have to revise, refile or withdraw the filing.

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14) File package and print cover letter.

IMPORTANT!!!! When you push the OK button to complete this filing, you assume responsibility for what is being filed. View each document to make sure you are filing the correct version of the document and to make sure that all dates and other supplemental information is correct.

· To file a package, you must be logged in to the ERF website with a username and password with file privileges. If you are currently logged in with only 'edit' privileges, select 'logout' in the upper right corner and log back in with file privileges.

· Select 'View Packages in Progress' and select the package you want to file.

· Select the red file button. If you do NOT see the red file button, check the following:

o Are you still logged in to the website with your 'edit' username and password? You must use your file user name and password.

o Are you authorized to file a package? If you do not know, you will need to ask your agency's ERF authorized contact if you have filing privileges (call the help desk for further information).

o Package must have at least one rule before you can file.

· After selecting the red file button, a status screen will appear.

· A red X or blue exclamation point on the status screen indicates a required document or information is missing or a document has not been viewed and you will not be permitted to file. Select cancel and upload, fill out or view the document required.

· Select OK. A screen listing the rules you are about to file will appear. Read the red warning text carefully.

· If you are ready to file, select OK. If not, select cancel.

· A confirmation screen will appear with the option to Print a Cover Letter.

· Choose Print a Cover Letter link to print a copy of the cover letter. It is recommended, but not required, that you print this cover letter as a confirmation of your electronic filing.

· Adobe Reader will open a window and you can print the cover letter by selecting the printer icon. After printing, close this window by selecting File, Close.

· Select OK to complete the filing process.

· The status of the rules in your package will now say "Original Filed."

· An electronic email confirmation of your filing is immediately sent to LSC and, when appropriate, JCARR, Secretary of State, Department of Development Office of Small Business, and the Department of Aging.

· A copy of this confirmation email is also sent to a contact person at your agency (the contact person is designated by your agency's ERF authorized contact).

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15) View filing in History and print copies or save as PDF for your records.

· After you have completed the Original filing, you can view and print the documents exactly as they were filed by selecting the History button on the main package content screen.

· A list of rules will appear and each rule will have two options: print/view documents and view online questions.

· Select the print/view documents link beside one of the rules. For each rule, you can print selected documents or you can 'print all.' (Note: 'print all' prints all attachments and package level documents (such as PHN, Additional Communications) that are associated with a rule).

· To Print only selected documents: Select print/view beside the document you wish to print. Adobe Reader will open a window and a PDF will be created of the document selected. The number of pages in the PDF displays at the bottom left (such as '1 of 3'). To print, select File, Print. After printing, close this window by selecting File, Close. Then select print/view beside the next document you wish to print and repeat the steps above. You can also save PDF copy of each document at this time. Select the diskette icon on the Acrobat Screen to save. Browse to the folder where you want to save your PDF and select Save.

· To Print all: Select print/view documents, then select the 'print all' option. Adobe Reader will open a window and a PDF will be created that has all documents for this rule. You can select the "Bookmarks" tab on the right and click the plus sign to display an index of the documents. The number of pages in the PDF displays at the bottom left (such as '1 of 7'). To print the entire PDF, select File, Print. After printing, close this window by selecting File, Close.

· To save a PDF copy for your records: Select print/view beside the document you wish to print or select 'print all.' Select the diskette icon on the Acrobat Screen to save. Browse to the folder where you want to save your PDF and select Save. After saving, close this window by selecting File, Close.

· Repeat above steps to view, print, or save PDF documents for each rule in the package.

· After closing the Acrobat screen, use the package name link in the upper right corner to go back to the main package content screen.

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APPENDIX A: Location of RSFA (Rule Summary and Fiscal Analysis) and Supplemental Information (History Trail)

This appendix lists the questions found on each of the forms on the ERF website. Appearance of questions may vary depending upon the rule type or type of filing.

Form 1: Online Data and Supplemental Questions

Please select the contact for this rule
Is the rule being filed consistent with the requirements of the RC 119.032 review?
Are you proposing this rule as a result of recent legislation?
Statute(s) authorizing agency to adopt the rule
Statute(s) the rule, as filed, amplifies or implements
Does this rule have a fiscal effect on school districts, counties, townships, or municipal corporations? (Note : If you indicate Yes, an RSFA Part B is required.)
Does this rule deal with environmental protection or contain a component dealing with environmental protection? (Note: If you indicate Yes, an Environmental Impact is required.)
Prior Effective Date(s)
Does this rule have a replacement line?
Is there a date on which this rule will expire? (i.e. temporary rule)
If Yes, please list the rule number(s) this rule is replacing all or part of :
Is there Referenced Material(s) to be included with the rule?
Are any materials to be filed electronically with JCARR?
If adopted, is this rule likely to affect individuals, small businesses or small organizations (see R.C. 121.24)? (If you indicate YES, then this filing will be filed with the Department of Development, the Office of Small Business. This question does NOT appear on the RSFA.)
Pursuant to R.C. 173.01(C), if adopted will this rule primarily affect persons sixty years of age or older? (If you indicate YES, then this filing will be filed with the Ohio Department of Aging. This question does NOT appear on the RSFA.)

Form 2: RSFA (pt. A) - Rule Summary

State the reason(s) for proposing, (i.e., why you are filing,) this rule:
Summarize the changes and the content of the proposed rule.
If revising or refiling this rule, identify changes made from the previously filed version of this rule; if none, please state so:

Form 3: RSFA (pt. A) - Fiscal Analysis

Estimate the total amount by which this proposed rule would (increase revenues, increase expenditures, decrease revenues, decrease expenditures, no impact) for the agency during the current biennium (in dollars). Explain the net impact of the proposed changes to the budget of your agency/department.
Identify the appropriation (by line item etc.) that authorizes each expenditure necessitated by the proposed rule:
Provide a summary of the estimated cost of compliance with the rule to all directly affected persons. When appropriate, please include the source for your information/estimated costs, e.g., industry, CFR, internal/agency:

Form 4: RSFA (pt. A) - Incorporated by Reference (SB265)

If the rule incorporates a text or other material by reference and the agency claims the incorporation by reference is exempt from compliance with sections 121.71 to 121.74 of the Revised Code because the text or other material is generally available to persons who reasonably can be expected to be affected by the rule, provide an explanation of how the text or other material is generally available to those persons:
If the rule incorporates a text or other material by reference, and it was infeasible for the agency to file the text or other material electronically, provide an explanation of why filing the text or other material electronically was infeasible:
If the rule is being rescinded and incorporates a text or other material by reference, and it was infeasible for the agency to file the text or other material, provide an explanation of why filing the text or other material was infeasible:

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APPENDIX B: RAS Tips and Understanding RAS file extensions.

S4W or XML? As a general rule, new or edited documents that are relatively small can be saved directly to XML and re-opened and edited directly in the XML format. Since RAS version 1.4.09 prompts you to save your XML changes as S4W each time you save as XML, working in XML allows you to skip the extra step of opening each document in S4W format, saving as S4W, and then saving again as XML.

· A 'small' document is less than 6 or so pages long, does not contain any large tables, does not contain more than 3 small tables, and does not contain graphics.

· Use S4W format when working with large documents. Because of slowness when working with large documents in XML format, large documents should be saved and edited as S4W until all edits have been made. These will still have to be saved as XML before uploading to the website!

· Most RSFAs, Fiscal Part B, and Environmental Impact statements can be saved directly to XML.

Validation errors: If, while using the Rule Authoring Software, you get an error when saving as XML stating that the document is invalid, DO NOT SAVE AS XML.

To fix the error: Select the View Tags option on the tools menu or select the View Tags icon. Select Tools - Validate Tags. RAS should identify the tag that is invalid. Usually, this is an empty level tag which can be fixed by clicking between the <level> and </level> tags and selecting "delete this new level."

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE: DO NOT USE RAS TO CREATE A PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE. If you have already done so, call the help desk for more information.

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UNDERSTANDING RULE AUTHORING SOFTWARE (RAS) FILE EXTENSIONS:

NOTE: RAS file extensions become very important when preparing to upload files into your ERF package on the website. Uploading and filing a file with the wrong file extension could result in your filing being invalidated.

The Rule Authoring system adds file extensions to your S4W and XML documents so you can identify the correct files when uploading them into your package on the ERF website.

When you create or edit any document in RAS and save it, the file extensions listed below will automatically be added. Depending upon which version of the RAS software you are using, the extensions will appear as follows. RAS version 1.18 used a different naming convention and those extensions are also shown below.

RAS 1.4.09 RAS 1.18

Rule: - Rule - R

RSFA: - RSFA - RS

RSFA Part B (detail): - RSFAptB - RD

Environmental Impact: - EI - EI

Appendix: - APPX n/a

Rule Type - The following file extensions based on rule type are also added to your RAS document:

NEW - N

AMENDED - AM

RESCINDED - RC

NO CHANGE - NC

Here are some examples of RAS document names:

· 99$9-9-9-RSFA-N.xml: This is an XML file, it is an RSFA and it is NEW.

· 99$9-9-9-R-AM.s4w: This is an S4W file, it is a RULE and it is AMENDED.

· 99$9-9-9-RSFAptB-RC.xml: This is an XML file, it is a Rule Summary and Fiscal Analysis part B, and it is RESCINDED.

· 99$9-9-9.xml. This file format represents a document downloaded from the Register of Ohio. The lack of document and rule type file extensions indicates that this rule has NOT been opened or edited in RAS. This is very important to keep in mind when preparing to upload rules to your web package.