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. This change is particularly relevant for cases involving minors over six months of age at the time the petition is filed.

The proposed amendment to 15A V.S.A. § 3-504 includes new legal language that requires the court to consider a respondent's financial contributions, alongside other factors such as communication and visitation with the minor, when assessing parental responsibility. Additionally, the bill states that it will take effect upon passage.