House Bill 178, also known as the "Success Sequence Act," aims to promote a structured approach to personal development and family formation among young individuals in Tennessee. The bill defines the "success sequence" as a series of steps that includes obtaining a high school diploma, 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, emphasizing the benefits of marriage and stable family structures for children.

The bill's implementation is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and will apply to the 2026-2027 school year and subsequent years. This is a change from the original proposal, which aimed for a July 1, 2025, start date. The legislation reflects a growing concern about the impact of family structure on children's well-being and aims to encourage practices that lead to better societal outcomes.

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