H.R. 575 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Agriculture, Jan 21, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryStreamlines conservation service provider certification
The government currently works with third-party service providers—private businesses, nonprofits, and tribal organizations—to help landowners plan and implement conservation projects. This bill would streamline how the Department of Agriculture approves and certifies these providers. It allows outside organizations to certify providers instead of the government doing it alone, and it speeds up the process for providers who already hold relevant professional certifications.
How it affects you
If you're a landowner or farmer seeking conservation services, this could mean more qualified providers available to help you, potentially faster access to planning and design assistance. Private conservation consultants and nonprofits that want to offer these services would find it easier to become certified to do so.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Jan 21, 2025)
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.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 575
A BILL
Increased TSP Access Act of 2025
Sponsor: Rep. James R. Baird (R-IN-4) · Introduced Jan 21, 2025 · Agriculture and Food · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Feb 28, 2025: “Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.”