Bill H.108, introduced by Representative Rachelson of Burlington, seeks to amend the existing law regarding the penalty for desertion or nonsupport in domestic relations. The bill proposes to repeal the criminal penalty that currently holds adult children accountable for failing to support their destitute parents. Specifically, it removes the provision that allows for the prosecution of an adult child who neglects or refuses to provide support to a parent in need, thereby eliminating the potential for imprisonment or fines for such actions.

In the amended text of 15 V.S.A. § 202, the language pertaining to the obligations of adult children to support their parents has been deleted, while the language regarding the support of spouses and children remains intact. The bill also updates the terminology from "his or her" to "the persons" and "the" to ensure gender-neutral language. Additionally, the act is set to take effect upon passage, signaling a swift implementation of these changes to the law.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 15-202