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VermontH.982025-2026 SessionHouse

An act relating to confirmatory adoptions and standby guardianships

Sponsored By: Barbara Rachelson (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Simple adoptions to confirm non-birthing parents

Beginning July 1, 2025, non‑birthing parents of children conceived by assisted reproduction can get a quick court order confirming parentage. A complete petition must include signed papers from the parents, a marriage certificate if married, a declaration of consent with no other parentage claims, and the child’s certified birth certificate. The court grants the adoption promptly and cannot deny it just because parentage is already presumed or recognized. Donor notice or consent is not required, and the court generally cannot require home studies, criminal checks, in‑person hearings, or residency periods unless it finds written good cause. Serve anyone entitled to notice within 30 days of filing; they have 20 days to appear, and proof of service must be on file before the court acts.

Standby guardianship when immigration sidelines a parent

Effective May 22, 2025, families can set up a consensual standby guardianship that starts only if a custodial parent is detained, removed, or otherwise made unavailable by an adverse immigration action. The petition needs the parent’s signed consent and a written agreement; the court holds a hearing within 14 days and issues an order within 45 days unless extended. In emergencies, the court can appoint a temporary guardian ex parte and must hold a hearing within three business days. The court may waive notice if a parent’s identity or location is unknown or the parent is detained and unreachable after reasonable efforts; if a parent later shows lack of notice, the court reopens the case. A parent can ask to end the guardianship anytime; it ends unless the guardian files to continue within 30 days and then proves continued need.

Clear rules for guardians’ duties and contact

Effective May 22, 2025, every guardianship order must include a family plan on a standard form. The plan sets parent‑child contact and follows the parties’ agreement in consensual cases. Guardians must take custody, make school and health decisions, receive support funds, and file a yearly status report. A guardian must get court approval before moving a child out of Vermont.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Barbara Rachelson

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Angela Arsenault

    Democratic • House

  • Ian Goodnow

    Democratic • House

  • Kevin "Coach" B Christie

    Democratic • House

  • Martin J LaLonde

    Democratic • House

  • Troy Headrick

    Independent • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. House message: Governor approved bill on May 22, 2025

    5/22/2025Senate

  2. Signed by Governor on May 22, 2025

    5/22/2025House

  3. Delivered to the Governor on May 16, 2025

    5/16/2025House

  4. House message: House concurred in Senate proposal of amendment

    5/14/2025Senate

  5. Title revised via Rule 41

    5/13/2025House

  6. Senate proposal of amendment concurred in

    5/13/2025House

  7. Action Calendar: Action postponed until 5/13/2025

    5/13/2025House

  8. Action Calendar: Action postponed until May 13, 2025

    5/12/2025House

  9. Rep. LaLonde of South Burlington moved to postpone action until 5/13/2025, which was agreed to

    5/9/2025House

  10. Action Calendar: Senate Proposal of Amendment

    5/9/2025House

  11. Notice Calendar: Senate Proposal of Amendment

    5/8/2025House

  12. Senate Message: Passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment

    5/7/2025House

  13. Read 3rd time & passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment

    5/6/2025Senate

  14. New Business/Third Reading

    5/6/2025Senate

  15. 3rd reading ordered

    5/2/2025Senate

  16. Proposal of amendment by Committee on Judiciary agreed to

    5/2/2025Senate

  17. Read 2nd time, reported favorably with proposal of amendment by Senator Hashim for Committee on Judiciary

    5/2/2025Senate

  18. Favorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Judiciary

    5/2/2025Senate

  19. Unfinished Business/Second Reading

    5/2/2025Senate

  20. Favorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Judiciary

    5/1/2025Senate

  21. New Business/Second Reading

    5/1/2025Senate

  22. Favorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Judiciary

    4/30/2025Senate

  23. Second Reading

    4/30/2025Senate

  24. Entered on Notice Calendar

    4/30/2025Senate

  25. Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Judiciary

    2/25/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • As Enacted (ACT 31)

    5/28/2025

    PDF

  • As Passed by Both Chambers

    5/14/2025

    PDF

  • As Passed by Both Chambers (Unofficial)

    5/14/2025

    PDF

  • Senate Proposal of Amendment

    5/7/2025

    PDF

  • Senate Proposal of Amendment (Unofficial)

    5/7/2025

    PDF

  • As Passed by the House

    2/21/2025

    PDF

  • As Passed by the House (Unofficial)

    2/21/2025

    PDF

  • As Introduced

    1/27/2025

    PDF

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