The "Mental Health in Schools Act" aims to enhance mental health support for students in South Carolina by establishing a framework for annual mental health screenings for students in grades six through twelve. The bill mandates the creation of a Mental Health Screening Program within the State Department of Education, which will identify students at risk due to unmet mental or behavioral health needs and provide necessary resources and referrals. Schools receiving public funding are required to administer these screenings, which must be conducted by qualified personnel using evidence-based tools, and must be accessible in students' native languages. Parents or guardians will be notified about the screenings and have the right to opt their children out of participation.

Additionally, the bill categorizes absences due to mental health reasons as excused, ensuring that students are not penalized for taking time off for their mental well-being. It also establishes a Mental Health Intervention Grant Program to fund evidence-based mental health services in schools and mandates Medicaid reimbursement for school-based mental health services. The act emphasizes the importance of privacy and data protection regarding students' mental health information, ensuring that personal data is handled in compliance with state and federal laws. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 59-1-373
Latest Version: 59-1-373