VT S0095

Creates a new "standby guardianship" allowing custodial parents to pre-designate a guardian for their children that becomes effective if the parent is subject to an adverse immigration action (arrest, detention, deportation, or denial of entry by federal immigration authorities)

Defines "adverse immigration action" to include arrest for alleged immigration violations, DHS detention, removal/deportation orders, and denial of visas, parole documents, or entry into the United States

Requires custodial parents to sign a consent form and file an agreement with the proposed guardian specifying guardian responsibilities, parent-child contact, and duration; hearings must be scheduled within 14 days with remote participation permitted

Establishes a rebuttable presumption that the guardianship is in the child's best interests when the custodial parent is unavailable due to immigration action, all parties consent, and the parent has legal representation

Guardianship presumptively terminates when the custodial parent is released and reunited with the child; parents may file a motion to terminate at any time, and courts must accept filings that don't meet standard format requirements