AZ HB2518

Establishes an education authority in each Arizona county with boundaries matching county lines, governed by a county board of supervisors serving as the board of directors.

Creates an authority board appointed within 30 days by various entities including school district governing boards, labor organizations, STEM teacher organizations, economic development groups, workforce development organizations, nonprofits, and university/community college representatives if present in the county.

Authorizes qualified electors to vote on two questions: whether the authority may levy and collect taxes, and whether it may issue grants to county public school districts; both questions must pass for establishment.

Imposes five excise taxes (car rentals 0.35%, hotels/motels 0.45%, restaurants/bars 0.25%, amusements 0.375%, retail 0.15%) that may be levied for 30 years if voters approve, with revenues distributed as grants to school districts for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics programs.

Requires at least 90% of authority revenues be spent on educational programs and grants, limits administrative costs to 10%, and mandates annual independent audits and performance audits every five years by the auditor general.