Congressman Biggs's Statement on Continuation of Maricopa County Monitor

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Late last week, U.S. District Judge Murray Snow continued the grift of the federal court monitor in Maricopa County, who has far outlived his original purpose while costing county taxpayers $350 million for more than 13 years.

Since this monitorship began, about $32 million has been paid directly to the monitor's firm, with a demand granted by the Court that the County have zero oversight into the bills the monitor submits. The prolonged intervention has also worsened deputy attrition and recruitment challenges, affecting MCSO's ability to serve county residents. With the support of the U.S. Department of Justice, Maricopa County sought to end the order after three new sheriffs and near compliance to the court's order.

Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) issued the following statement:

"I am profoundly disturbed that a court has allowed this rogue federal monitor to remain in place in Maricopa County. The monitor's continued existence in our county and propensity for moving the goalposts from his original charge exploits taxpayers and undermines the brave work of law enforcement. This most-recent ruling underscores the need for the Senate to pass my Monitor Accountability Act, which sets common-sense and clear rules for courts' use of federal monitors. I stand with the people and law enforcement officers of Maricopa County!"

Earlier this year, a bipartisan coalition in the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Monitor Accountability Act, which was sponsored by Congressman Biggs. The bill sets clear rules for courts' use of federal monitors. If enacted into law, the Monitor Accountability Act would require federal district courts to follow common-sense rules when appointing monitors to oversee state or local government agencies. This legislation includes the following terms:

• Term limits: Monitors may serve no more than five years and cannot be reappointed under the same court order, preventing long-term control by any single individual.
  
• No revolving door: Successive monitors cannot come from the same law firm or employer, ensuring independence.
  
• Fee caps & transparency: Monitor compensation is capped and courts encouraged to require pro bono or reduced-cost work to control costs and ensure transparency.
  
• Public input: Courts must announce the proposed monitor and allow public comment before appointment.
  
• Off-ramp for states / localities: A monitorship may only be extended if the state or locality has not achieved substantial and sustained compliance, preventing open-ended oversight.
  
• Judicial transfer: After six years, the case must be reassigned to a different judge to avoid prolonged control by a single court.
  
• Retroactive fix: Immediately covers monitorships older than six years, including Maricopa County, triggering required replacement of both monitor and judge.
  

Major law enforcement agencies announced support for the Monitor Accountability Act.

The Monitor Accountability Act was introduced in the U.S. Senate for consideration by Senator John Kennedy (R-LA).

###