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Increased TSP Access Act of 2023

USA118th CongressS-1400| Senate 
| Updated: 5/2/2023
Mike Braun

Mike Braun

Republican Senator

Indiana

Cosponsors (10)
Roger Marshall (Republican)Richard J. Durbin (Democratic)Kirsten E. Gillibrand (Democratic)Alex Padilla (Democratic)Christopher A. Coons (Democratic)Christopher Murphy (Democratic)Michael F. Bennet (Democratic)John Fetterman (Democratic)Marco Rubio (Republican)Pete Ricketts (Republican)

Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Increased TSP Access Act of 2023 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. (TSPs are third-party service providers, such as private businesses, Indian tribes, and nonprofit organizations, who 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 not later than 40 business days after receiving an application. USDA must review a TSP's certification by a nonfederal certifying entity not later than 10 business days after receiving a notification from the nonfederal entity. 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, contributions, certification results, and utilization rates.
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Timeline
May 2, 2023
Introduced in Senate
May 2, 2023
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Jun 1, 2023

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 118-3036
Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.
  • May 2, 2023
    Introduced in Senate


  • May 2, 2023
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.


  • June 1, 2023

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 118-3036
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.

Agriculture and Food

Related Bills

  • HR 118-3036: Increased TSP Access Act of 2023

Increased TSP Access Act of 2023

USA118th CongressS-1400| Senate 
| Updated: 5/2/2023
Increased TSP Access Act of 2023 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. (TSPs are third-party service providers, such as private businesses, Indian tribes, and nonprofit organizations, who 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 not later than 40 business days after receiving an application. USDA must review a TSP's certification by a nonfederal certifying entity not later than 10 business days after receiving a notification from the nonfederal entity. 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, contributions, certification results, and utilization rates.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
May 2, 2023
Introduced in Senate
May 2, 2023
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Jun 1, 2023

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 118-3036
Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.
  • May 2, 2023
    Introduced in Senate


  • May 2, 2023
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.


  • June 1, 2023

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 118-3036
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.
Mike Braun

Mike Braun

Republican Senator

Indiana

Cosponsors (10)
Roger Marshall (Republican)Richard J. Durbin (Democratic)Kirsten E. Gillibrand (Democratic)Alex Padilla (Democratic)Christopher A. Coons (Democratic)Christopher Murphy (Democratic)Michael F. Bennet (Democratic)John Fetterman (Democratic)Marco Rubio (Republican)Pete Ricketts (Republican)

Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee

Agriculture and Food

Related Bills

  • HR 118-3036: Increased TSP Access Act of 2023
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted