The NCAA’s process of investigating violations and handing out punishments could be getting a major overhaul if a bipartisan Senate bill passes. Ross Dellenger of Sports Illustrated was first to report that US Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) will be introducing the NCAA Accountability Act of 2021, which can be viewed on SI.

The bill focuses on shortening the NCAA’s investigation and punishment process, while also calling for the NCAA to report to both state and federal governments.

Here are some of the highlights of the bill:

  • NCAA inquiries would be completed within 8 months of notice that an investigation has opened.
  • Statute of limitations for investigations moved from 4 years to 2 years.
  • NCAA would no longer be able to use information from “confidential sources” as evidence.
  • Schools would be able to appeal punishments by using a 3-arbiter panel, different from the current appeals committee.
  • NCAA would be required to submit an annual report of investigations to the U.S. attorney general and each state’s attorney general.
  • Department of Justice would be authorized to fine NCAA as much as $15 million and order the removal of any member of the Board of Governors, the NCAA’s highest governing body.

Per Dellenger, the bill will be introduced Tuesday. Many college sports fans will be interested in seeing if the bill becomes law.