Charles Haskell, executive director of the Ohio Athletic Commission, told the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review that the commission has not updated its administrative rules since 2019 and committed to an expedited filing schedule to correct the lapse.

"I take full responsibility for not having the rules updated since 2019," Haskell said, explaining that outdated computer systems, COVID-related disruptions, and limited staff access delayed filings. He outlined a plan to propose rule updates at the commission’s next three meetings and to submit an initial package to JCAR as soon as the following week.

Members pressed Haskell on operational and legal risks. The committee warned that continuing to act under rules that have not been filed risks invalidation of license fees and licenses and potential litigation. Chairman Callender told Haskell that the situation "is not a minor thing" and urged urgency.

Several committee members raised a separate and specific concern: the licensing standards for athlete agents required by statute do not appear in the Ohio Administrative Code. Haskell acknowledged he had not yet completed a comprehensive code review and said the athlete-agent requirement was a new priority he would address immediately.

Haskell described the commission's current staffing as two active employees: himself and one part-time staffer, with a full-time employee out on disability until Sept. 1. He said the agency has five voting commissioners, two non-voting commissioners, and limited administrative capacity. "We have myself as a director, 1 full time, staff member who's out on disability until September 1, and then 1 part time that works 3 days a week," Haskell said.

Committee members urged Haskell to have counsel and staff perform a comprehensive review of the Ohio Revised Code to identify any other statutorily prescribed duties not yet reflected in the administrative code. Senator Rudder and other members who reviewed minutes and the commission’s practices expressed concern that legal counsel had not been present at the hearing and recommended counsel perform an immediate review.

Haskell provided a schedule estimate: he said the commission has roughly 72 no-change rules identified, of which he estimated 48 do not require Common Sense Initiative review and 24 will. He said he could submit a first package "next Thursday" and expected to complete the bulk of filings within two meetings. JCAR staff offered assistance and said the committee would monitor progress and request an update at the next JCAR meeting.

The committee did not vote on any formal sanctions or rule invalidations at the hearing; it instead recorded direction to the commission to submit rule packages and to have legal counsel review statutory obligations. Members said JCAR staff will assist with electronic filing and rule-processing procedures.