VT H0098

Creates a streamlined "confirmatory adoption" process for children born through assisted reproduction, allowing parents who are already legal parents under Vermont law to obtain an adoption decree without requiring home studies, criminal background checks, in-person hearings, or donor consent

Establishes "standby guardianship" provisions allowing custodial parents facing adverse immigration actions (arrest, detention, deportation, or denial of entry by federal immigration authorities) to pre-designate a guardian for their children

Requires standby guardianship petitions to include a consent form signed by the custodial parent, with hearings scheduled within 14 days and remote participation permitted for detained parents

Creates a rebuttable presumption that standby guardianship is in the child's best interests when the custodial parent faces immigration action, consents to the arrangement, and is represented by an attorney

Standby guardianships automatically terminate when the custodial parent is released from custody and reunited with the child; confirmatory adoption provisions take effect July 1, 2025, while standby guardianship provisions took effect upon the Governor's signature on May 22, 2025