Increased TSP Access Act of 2025
Increased TSP Access Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Increased TSP Access Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would make it easier for private businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations to become approved service providers for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's conservation programs. Currently, the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has a certification process for "Technical Service Providers" (TSPs)—third-party groups that help farmers and landowners plan and implement conservation projects. The bill would streamline this process by allowing outside organizations to help certify these providers and by creating a faster approval track for providers who already hold relevant professional certifications (like being a certified crop advisor). **Who It Affects** The bill primarily impacts farmers and rural landowners who use conservation services, as well as private consultants, nonprofits, and businesses that want to work as approved conservation service providers.
By lowering barriers to certification, the bill could expand the pool of available conservation service providers in rural areas. **Current Status** The bill (S. 156) was introduced by Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. No action has been taken since it was referred to committee.
CRS Official Summary
Increased TSP Access Act of 2025This 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.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.