Increased TSP Access Act of 2025

United States119th CongressS-156Senate
Updated: Jan 21, 2025

Summary

The "Increased TSP Access Act of 2025" amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to modify the delivery of technical assistance for conservation programs. It introduces non-Federal certifying entities , including private sector entities and State agencies, which can be approved by the Secretary to certify third-party providers (TSPs). This expansion of certification methods aims to increase TSP capacity by involving qualified agricultural retailers, cooperatives, and professional societies. The Secretary must establish a process for these entities within 180 days, ensuring timely decisions on their approval and the review of their certifications. The bill mandates a streamlined certification process for TSPs holding appropriate specialty certifications, such as certified crop advisors. It also requires the Secretary to review certification requirements, make adjustments, and conduct outreach to improve participation and the effectiveness of conservation practices, setting a target utilization rate for TSPs. Furthermore, the legislation establishes fair and reasonable payment amounts for technical services provided by TSPs, equivalent to federal rates, and excludes these payments from cost-sharing requirements under other federal programs. To ensure accountability, it mandates transparency , requiring public information on obligated funds, certification results, TSPs' contribution to conservation effectiveness, and utilization rates.

Bill texts

Available versions
Introduced (Senate)View official text

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Timeline

Latest companion bill action

HR-575: Increased TSP Access Act of 2025

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

  1. Introduced in Senate

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

    Senate

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