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A bill to amend the Food Security Act of 1985 to modify the delivery of technical assistance, and for other purposes.

1/22/2025, 11:56 AM

Summary of Bill S 156

Bill 119 s 156, also known as the Food Security Act of 1985, is a proposed piece of legislation that aims to make changes to the way technical assistance is provided under the existing law. The bill seeks to improve the delivery of technical assistance in order to better support farmers and ranchers in their efforts to maintain food security.

Specifically, the bill includes provisions that would streamline the process for farmers and ranchers to access technical assistance, making it easier for them to receive the support they need. Additionally, the bill aims to enhance the effectiveness of technical assistance programs by ensuring that they are tailored to the specific needs of individual farmers and ranchers.

In addition to these changes, the bill also includes provisions for other purposes related to food security. While the exact details of these additional purposes are not specified in the summary, it can be inferred that they are intended to further support the overall goal of ensuring food security for all Americans. Overall, Bill 119 s 156 represents a bipartisan effort to improve the delivery of technical assistance under the Food Security Act of 1985. By making it easier for farmers and ranchers to access the support they need, the bill aims to strengthen food security and support the agricultural industry in the United States.

Congressional Summary of S 156

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.

Current Status of Bill S 156

Bill S 156 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 21, 2025. Bill S 156 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on January 21, 2025.  Bill S 156's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. as of January 21, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 156

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
1
Democrat Cosponsors
1
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 156

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 156

A bill to amend the Food Security Act of 1985 to modify the delivery of technical assistance, and for other purposes.
A bill to amend the Food Security Act of 1985 to modify the delivery of technical assistance, and for other purposes.

Comments

Sponsors and Cosponsors of S 156

Roger Marshall
Roger Marshall
KansasRepublican
Michael F. Bennet
Michael F. Bennet
ColoradoDemocrat

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