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118th Congress Agriculture and Food

H.R. 3036: Increased TSP Access Act of 2023

Introduced

  1. Introduced (completed)May 2, 2023
  2. Passed House (not reached)
  3. Passed Senate (not reached)
  4. To the President (not reached)
  5. Became law (not reached)

Summary

Introduced in House, May 2, 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).

Read the full summary

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.

Written by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Roll calls

0 votes on this bill

No roll call votes have been held on this bill.

Amendments

0 offered

No amendments were offered to this bill.

Cosponsors

66

Bipartisan support.

Who scored on this bill

18 points earned
  1. 1James Baird R-IN SponsorDrew cross-party cosponsors, introduced, reached a cosponsor milestone4 events+18
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Introductions and cosponsorships count toward weekly caps and show no points.

Other bills by James Baird

History

  1. May 2, 2023Introduced in the House by James Baird.
Show the full action history (3 actions)
  1. Jun 1, 2023Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.
  2. May 2, 2023Introduced in House
  3. May 2, 2023Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.