Two senators plan to strengthen the mission of the Tourism and Sports Authority by introducing separate bills that would oversee the TSA's actions.
The bill proposed by Sen. Scott Bungaard, R-Phoenix, focuses on increasing the accountability of the TSA.
If the bill were to pass, it would cap the cost for the Cardinals' football stadium at $331 million, require the TSA to fund spring training and sports funding facilities, and would have the county attorney oversee the TSA's legal counsel.
"These accountability measures should also limit any further damage the TSA and the Cardinals can do in the light of the TSA's past highly-questionable actions," Bungaard said in a recent press release.
"There have been talks that the site selection for the football stadium has been fixed and backroom discussions have taken place," Bungaard said.
In response to this statement, TSA's chairman of the board, Jim Grogan, said "we've had all of our meetings as public. Our members are all volunteers and are working to do what is best for the community. There is absolutely no truth to the allegations."
"These are representatives from all throughout the valley who were chosen for the main reason of avoiding politics," said Brad Parker, TSA public information officer.
Senate leader Randall Gnant, R- Scottsdale, has also introduced a bill concerning the TSA.
However, Gnant's bill focuses on ensuring funding for youth and amateur sports.
"The main thrust of the bill is to move forward on the priority list for the funding of youth sports," Gnant said. "Additionally, it provides for more audits of the TSA than the first proposal."
Gnant's proposal will require that the TSA be audited every three years and submit a monthly report detailing its activities to the Governor, Legislature and the Joint Legislative Budget Committee.
TSA officials said that they are in full support of Gnant's proposal.
"We are supportive of the bill and it changes how our funding works," Grogan said.
The new legislation would transpose the operating budget to the bottom and the youth sports to the top. It would also further funding for the new Cactus League stadium in Surprise.
Maricopa voters created the TSA in 2000 to build a multi-purpose facility that would also be used as a stadium by the Arizona Cardinals. The commission will also fund youth sports facilities.
Reach the reporter at joanne.yuan@asu.edu.
