Bill H.3974 is yet another step toward government-controlled parenting.
H.3974: Private Providers. Sponsors: Representative Calhoon, Bernstein, Erickson and Schuessler.
You gotta read the bill—seriously. You won’t believe what our General Assembly wants to codify into law.
But anyway…
H.3974 is being marketed as a way to “make sure kids get the help they need.” Sounds great, right? Until you check the fine print. What it’s really doing is sneaking mental health services into schools, pushing parents out of their rightful role, handing even more power over to the South Carolina Department of Education (hello, state control), and making families dependent on government-approved medical providers.
What’s in the Bill?
Allows private providers (therapists, psychiatrists, behavioral specialists, and licensed marriage and family therapists) to evaluate and treat students during school hours, on school property (Section 59-10-510). Huh—marriage and family therapists?
"Evaluation" includes, but is not limited to, the following criteria:
(a) diagnosis;
(b) determination of intervention type;
(c) determination of intervention length;
(d) identification of the goals of a student;
(e) identification of the impact of student behavior on the student's educational program; and (f) planning for involvement of the student's family in the student's treatment plan.
Prohibits schools from rejecting these services if a parent requests them (Section 59-10-520).
Forces every school district to adopt a state-created model policy—no exceptions (Section 59-10-530).
Expands the Department of Education’s authority to regulate private providers in schools.
Requires parents to submit paperwork verifying their funding source and granting information-sharing access between the provider and the school district (Section 59-10-530). More government data collection.
Did You Know?
Under existing minor consent laws, kids 16 and older can already consent to any healthcare service that doesn’t require surgery. Even minors under 16 may receive health services of any kind without the consent of a parent or legal guardian when deemed “necessary” by a provider.
So if minors already have broad access to medical services without parents, why is H.3974 pushing even further?
Why embed providers into schools when the law already allows minors to bypass parental consent?
This bill will do a great job of normalizing government involvement in children’s healthcare decisions while sidelining parents completely.
Let’s Not Forget Mandatory Reporting Laws.
South Carolina law already requires school personnel—including teachers, counselors, and healthcare providers—to report suspected child abuse or neglect.
Refusing services could easily turn into a red flag for neglect. If a school-based evaluator determines a child needs therapy and the parent declines, could that be considered medical neglect? If a behavioral specialist believes a student requires intervention but the family disagrees, could that refusal be reported as failure to meet the child’s educational needs?
This is exactly how parental rights erode. The state dictates the treatment, the school facilitates the diagnosis, and parents who push back risk being labeled neglectful.
H.3974 Screams Liability Risks
It exposes schools to serious liability risks. By allowing private providers to diagnose and treat students on school property, schools could face legal battles over misdiagnoses, improper treatments, or disputes between parents and providers.
Who takes responsibility when a child is misdiagnosed? When a treatment plan goes wrong? When a provider makes a call that leads to CPS involvement?
Parental Rights? Oh, You Thought You Had Those?
Parents don’t co-parent with the government! Oh, wait… yes, they do. And it’s getting worse.
The bill says parents must request these services. But that’s just the first step. Once this system is in place, it won’t stay optional for long. First, it’s a choice (or at least, parents assume they have a choice). Then it becomes the standard. Eventually, schools, doctors, and insurance providers will frame it as the only responsible option—and parents who refuse will be pressured, shamed, or even accused of neglect.
We’ve seen this pattern before.
Step 1: Introduce the service as an option.
Step 2: Normalize it—make it expected.
Step 3: Push compliance—parents who resist are treated as irresponsible.
Step 4: Codify it into law—what was once voluntary is now mandatory.
Why Is This Happening During Class?
If a child needs an evaluation or treatment, it should happen outside of school, on parents’ terms—not during math class. Schools are supposed to educate, not function as healthcare hubs.
Schools are on the path to becoming treatment centers for mental health and beyond.
Private? Not Really.
The bill labels them private providers, but who actually picks them?
Parents? Nope. They can only choose from state-approved providers.
Schools? Nope. They’re banned from rejecting any provider who qualifies under the law.
The Department of Education? Yep. They oversee compliance, determine licensing standards, and enforce the model policy.
So much for “private.”
Government-Controlled Parenting—One Bill at a Time
H.3974 hijacks parental responsibility. If lawmakers keep passing bills like this, parents will continue to lose their authority, and the state will assume full responsibility for raising children. That’s the inevitable outcome when government intervention replaces family autonomy.
It’s the Whole Child Initiative in action—moving responsibility further away from parents and into the hands of bureaucrats. Today, it’s a choice. Tomorrow? It’s an expectation. And soon, it’ll be a requirement.
What Can You Do?
Contact the House Education and Public Works Committee, especially the chair. Tell them to kill this bill immediately—no negotiations, no compromises. Parents must push back hard because once the government takes over your role, you’re never getting it back.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not constitute legal or professional advice. ConservaTruth assumes no liability for any actions taken based on this content. Read more.
Subscribe to ConservaTruth's Email Newsletter for curated insights on South Carolina's legislative activities and conservative viewpoints, delivered straight to your inbox! With vetted and easy-to-understand information, our newsletter empowers you to become an informed and engaged citizen, actively participating in safeguarding our cherished Constitutional values. Don’t miss out on crucial updates—join our community of informed conservatives today!
Comments