The bill S.13, introduced by Senator Hashim, aims to amend the current law regarding the termination of 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 the termination of parental rights is in the child's best interests. The 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 evaluating parental responsibility.

Additionally, the bill specifies that it will take effect upon passage. This legislative change seeks to ensure that financial support is a relevant consideration in the court's decision-making process regarding parental rights, thereby potentially impacting the outcomes of adoption cases in Vermont.