Increased TSP Access Act of 2025

Summary

Increased TSP Access Act of 2025 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to modify the certification process for Technical Service Providers (TSPs) at the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) by establishing an approval process for nonfederal certifying entities and a streamlined certification process for TSPs that hold certain specialty certifications. As background, TSPs are third-party service providers, such as private businesses, Indian tribes, and nonprofit organizations, that work on behalf of customers to offer planning, design, and implementation services that meet NRCS criteria. The bill specifies that USDA must ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, third-party providers with expertise in the technical aspects of conservation practice design, implementation, and evaluation are eligible to become approved TSPs. USDA must provide a streamlined certification process for TSPs who hold appropriate specialty certifications (e.g., certified crop advisors). In determining the eligibility of a nonfederal certifying entity, USDA must consider the ability, experience, expertise, and history of the entity. USDA must decide whether to approve an application submitted by a nonfederal certifying entity to certify TSPs within a specified time period. USDA must also review a TSP's certification by a nonfederal certifying entity within a specified time period. If the certification is satisfactory, USDA must include the TSP on a USDA-maintained registry of certified TSPs. The bill also specifies that TSPs must be paid at rates equivalent to technical assistance provided by USDA. Further, USDA must provide accessible public information on TSPs, including information on funding, certification results, and utilization rates.

Summary from the Congressional Research Service. How we handle summaries

Where it stands

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House Committee on Agriculture · U.S. House of Representatives

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Cosponsors

Related bills

• S. 156Increased TSP Access Act of 2025Identical bill

As identified by Congress.gov.

Full history

1. Feb 28, 2025

   In committee

   Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.

   U.S. House

2. Feb 28, 2025

   Referred to committee

   Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.

3. Feb 28, 2025

   Referred to committee

   Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.

4. Feb 28, 2025

   Referred to committee

   Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.

5. Jan 21, 2025

   Introduced

   Introduced in House

   U.S. House of Representatives

Read the record

• Read on Congress.gov (opens in a new tab) The official record on Congress.gov.