(A) An applicant for a handler's license or renewal issued under section 926.05 of the Revised Code who does not conduct business at an address in this state at which the applicant usually can be contacted shall include with the application a written appointment of an agent, sometimes referred to as a "statutory agent," upon whom any process, notice, or demand may be served. The appointment shall be accompanied by a written acceptance of the appointment signed by the agent. The agent may be a natural person who is a resident of this state or a corporation whose principal place of business is located in this state. The appointment shall be on such forms and contain such information as the director of agriculture prescribes. Failure to comply with this division is grounds for rejection of the application under division (C) of section 926.05 of the Revised Code.

(B)

(1) If an agent removes from the state or resigns, or if the applicant revokes the agent's appointment, the applicant immediately shall notify the director in writing not later than thirty days prior to the removal, resignation, or revocation. If an agent dies, the applicant immediately shall notify the director in writing. Prior to the removal, resignation, or revocation and not later than thirty days after the death, the applicant shall appoint another agent and file with the director a written appointment of the agent, along with a written acceptance of the appointment signed by the agent.

(2) If the agent's address changes from that appearing on the application, the applicant, not later than thirty days prior to the address change, shall file with the director a written statement setting forth the new address, along with any other information the director requests.

(C) Failure to comply with division (B) of this section is grounds for suspension or conditional suspension of a handler's license, without prior hearing, under section 926.10 of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 07-29-1998