The bill S. 429 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Article 5 to Chapter 10, Title 59, which authorizes evaluators to assess public school students for health, behavioral health, or therapeutic needs. It allows private providers to deliver related services during the school day, contingent upon requests from the student's parent or guardian. The bill stipulates that school districts cannot prohibit these evaluations or services and mandates the State Department of Education to adopt a model policy outlining the requirements for such evaluations and services.

Additionally, the bill defines key terms such as "evaluation," "private provider," and "evaluator," and establishes guidelines for the implementation of services, including the necessity for criminal background checks and liability insurance for providers. The State Board of Education is tasked with developing a model policy by November 1, 2025, which school districts must adopt or create their own compliant policies by January 1, 2026. This legislation is designed to ensure that students receive necessary health and therapeutic services while maintaining educational standards and parental involvement.