The bill H.7, introduced by Representative LaLonde, aims to amend the grounds for terminating parental rights in adoption proceedings. Specifically, it reinstates the court's ability to consider whether a person asserting parental rights has made reasonable and consistent payments for the support of the minor child when determining if termination of those rights is in the child's best interests. The proposed amendment to 15A V.S.A. § 3-504 includes new language that requires the court to take into account the respondent's financial obligations to support the child, alongside other factors such as communication and visitation with the minor.

Additionally, the bill specifies that this act will take effect upon passage. The inclusion of the new criteria for evaluating parental responsibility aims to ensure that financial support is a significant consideration in the court's decision-making process regarding parental rights, thereby reinforcing the importance of a parent's financial commitment to their child.