Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.
Increased TSP Access Act of 2025
Chamber: United States House of Representatives (The United States of America)
**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.
Sponsors
(21)
JBJames Baird
Republican · Primary
ESEric Sorensen
Democrat · Primary
GVGabe Vasquez
Democrat · Primary
BSBryan Steil
Republican · Primary
BPBrittany Pettersen
Democrat · Primary
JTJill Tokuda
Democrat · Primary
BFBrad Finstad
Republican · Primary
DLDarin LaHood
Republican · Primary
MFMike Flood
Republican · Primary
DJDusty Johnson
Republican · Primary
RYRudy Yakym
Republican · Primary
DDDonald Davis
Democrat · Primary
SFScott Franklin
Republican · Primary
RFRandy Feenstra
Republican · Primary
NBNikki Budzinski
Democrat · Primary
ASAndrea Salinas
Democrat · Primary
KSKim Schrier
Democrat · Primary
Legislative Votes
No votes have been held on this legislation yet.