In memory of James E. Carnes.

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Nickie Antonio and 32 co-sponsors

The bill is a ceremonial memorial recognizing James E. Carnes’s public service and community leadership, and offering condolences to his family.

Adopted

Summary of SR 354 (136th General Assembly, Ohio)

Purpose

A Senate Resolution honoring and memorializing James E. Carnes, recognizing his public service, community involvement, and impact on the state of Ohio.

Key Provisions

The resolution expresses the Senate’s condolences to the family and friends of James E. Carnes.

It acknowledges Carnes’s career in public service, including:

Nine years in the Ohio Senate, where he served on:
Energy, Natural Resources, and Environment Committee
Finance and Financial Institutions Committee
State Controlling Board
Subsequent service with:
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Ohio Liquor Control Commission

It highlights Carnes’s extensive community and political involvement, listing numerous organizations and boards with which he was associated (e.g., Belmont County Republican Party committees, Ohio Republican State Central/Executive committees, Board of Elections, Ohio Commission on Aging, Area Agency on Aging, Ohio 4-H Foundation, among others).

The resolution notes Carnes’s family, including his wife (the late Frankie Lee), six children, nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, and it reflects on his positive philosophy of life and public-minded legacy.

The core action is ceremonial: officially adopting a resolution to honor Carnes, convey condolences, and transmit a copy to his family.

Affected Parties

Primary: James E. Carnes (deceased) and his immediate family.

Secondary: The Ohio Senate and its members (as the formal body adopting the memorial).

The broader public, particularly constituents and organizations connected to Carnes, who may reference the resolution as a tribute to his work.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Legislation Type: Memorial resolution (S.R. No. 354).

Status: Adopted by the Ohio Senate on May 12, 2026.

Process: As a ceremonial resolution, it serves to formally recognize an individual’s life and service and to extend condolences; it does not create new law or fiscal obligations.

Formal transmission: The Clerk of the Senate is directed to provide a duly authenticated copy of the resolution to Carnes’s family.

Notable Details

The resolution lists Carnes’s committees and roles during his tenure, emphasizing his focus on natural resources, environment, and financial matters.

It reflects a broad, bipartisan commemorative effort, with numerous sponsors and co-sponsors from across the political spectrum.

Impact

Provides a formal, public record recognizing Jim Carnes’s contributions to Ohio.

Serves to memorialize his public service, leadership, and community involvement for posterity.

No fiscal impact or policy changes are associated with this type of resolution; its effect is ceremonial and commemorative.