House Bill 178, also known as the "Success Sequence Act," aims to promote a structured approach to achieving personal and societal success through a defined sequence of life events. The bill introduces the concept of "success sequence," which outlines a recommended order for individuals to follow: obtaining a high school diploma or equivalent, entering the workforce or pursuing further education, getting married, and then having children. Additionally, the bill mandates that educational institutions provide instruction and evidence regarding the positive outcomes associated with following this sequence.

The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically adding new provisions to Sections 49-6-1301 and 49-6-1304(a). Notably, the effective date of the act has been changed from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2026, as per an amendment, and it will apply to the 2026-2027 school year and subsequent years. This legislation reflects a commitment to addressing the challenges faced by children in single-parent households and aims to encourage stable family structures to improve overall community well-being.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-6-1301, 49-6-1304(a), 49-6-1304
Amended with SA0171 -- 03/27/2025: 49-6-1301, 49-6-1304(a), 49-6-1304