VT H0315

Prohibits using a parent's or prospective parent's disability as the sole basis for denying or restricting parental rights, custody, parent-child contact, adoption, guardianship, or foster care placement when otherwise in the child's best interests

Requires parties alleging a parent's disability has detrimental impact on a child to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the disability endangers or will likely endanger the child's health, safety, or welfare

Mandates courts to allow parents with disabilities the opportunity to demonstrate how supportive parenting services (technology, alternative methods, nonvisual techniques) can address concerns before restricting rights

Requires courts to issue specific written findings explaining the basis for any denial or limitation of parental rights based on disability, including why supportive services would not be a reasonable accommodation

Requires the Department for Children and Families and Family/Probate courts to comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Fourteenth Amendment before taking any action affecting parental rights of persons with disabilities; effective July 1, 2025