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Ohio committee hears emotional testimony on SR 69 about Bhutanese‐Nepali refugees; resolution is favor‑reported to Rules and Reference
Summary
Witnesses described alleged human‑rights abuses, prolonged exile, and family separation affecting Bhutanese‑Nepali refugees; the committee voted to favor‑report Senate Resolution 69 to the Committee on Rules and Reference.
Multiple members of the Bhutanese‑Nepali community testified in person before the Senate Local Government, Public Safety and Veterans Affairs Committee in support of Senate Resolution 69, which the sponsors presented as a state‑level recognition of alleged human‑rights abuses and a call for durable solutions for refugees and political prisoners.
Witnesses recounted forced exile beginning in the 1990s, prolonged stays in refugee camps in Nepal, alleged prison abuse, and ongoing barriers to returning to Bhutan. Manikumar Biswal described leaving Bhutan in April 1992 and a 17‑year stay in refugee camps; he said his family could not return and urged the committee to support the resolution, adding, “I hope this resolutions, SR 69, brings hope, not just to my brother, but to every Bhutanese family with a story like mine.”
Other witnesses asked the committee to advocate for three broad pillars they said SR 69 supports: permanent solutions for remaining refugees (repatriation or other durable solutions), visitation and family‑reunification rights for exiles and diaspora, and justice and due process for political prisoners still held in Bhutan. Witnesses urged Ohio to pass the resolution as a step toward raising the issue with federal authorities and international organizations.
After testimony, Senator Tom Patton moved to favor‑report SR 69 to the Committee on Rules and Reference. The clerk called the roll; the transcript records affirmative votes from Chair Johnson, Senator Craig, Senator Patton and Senator Schaeffer and shows the motion carried. The committee referred the resolution to Rules and Reference.
The meeting record shows additional committee business: a motion by Senator Patton to favor‑report Senate Bill 179 to Rules and Reference also carried by roll call with recorded affirmative responses from Chair Johnson, Senator Craig, Senator Patton and Senator Schaeffer. A second‑hearing proponent entry on Senate Bill 172 was noted with no proponent testimony.
Ending: Committee members thanked witnesses for their testimony and invited interested parties to sign a cosponsor sheet for SR 69 before adjournment.
