{"bill":{"id":"119-hr-575","congress":119,"type":"HR","number":575,"title":"Increased TSP Access Act of 2025","originChamber":"House","introducedDate":"2025-01-21","sponsors":[{"bioguideId":"B001307","fullName":"Rep. Baird, James R. [R-IN-4]","party":"R","state":"IN","district":4}],"cosponsorsCount":27,"latestAction":{"actionDate":"2025-02-28","text":"Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology."},"policyArea":"Agriculture and Food","subjects":[],"actions":[{"date":"2025-02-28","text":"Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.","type":"Committee","chamber":"House committee actions","hasVote":false},{"date":"2025-01-21","text":"Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.","type":"IntroReferral","chamber":"House floor actions","hasVote":false},{"date":"2025-01-21","text":"Introduced in House","type":"IntroReferral","chamber":"Library of Congress","hasVote":false},{"date":"2025-01-21","text":"Introduced in House","type":"IntroReferral","chamber":"Library of Congress","hasVote":false}],"summary":"<p><strong>Increased TSP Access Act of 2025</strong></p><p>This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to modify the&nbsp;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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>USDA must provide a streamlined certification process for TSPs who hold appropriate specialty certifications (e.g., certified crop advisors).</p><p>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&nbsp;TSPs&nbsp;within a specified time period. &nbsp;</p><p>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&nbsp;TSP on a USDA-maintained registry of certified TSPs.</p><p>The bill also specifies that TSPs must be paid at rates equivalent to technical assistance provided by USDA.</p><p>Further, USDA must provide accessible public information on TSPs, including information on funding, certification results, and utilization rates.</p>","updateDate":"2026-01-07T09:05:48Z"},"markets":[],"stateBills":[],"meta":{"sources":["congress.gov"],"latencyMs":486,"ts":"2026-04-15T14:57:30.331Z"},"nextActions":{"inspect":[],"related":[{"description":"Search related legislation","method":"GET","url":"/api/public/query-gov?q=Increased%20TSP%20Access%20Act%20of%202025"}]}}