AZ HB2598

Authorizes Maricopa County to conduct a countywide election on November 8, 2022 for a county transportation excise tax with a 25-year term, effective December 31, 2025 if approved by voters.

Establishes new tax rates at no more than 10 percent of transaction privilege tax rates and similar rates on utilities, with net revenues distributed to regional area road fund (52.5%), public transportation fund (32.5%), and other transportation purposes.

Creates a regional planning agency budget process requiring estimated costs of freeways, public transportation, and major arterial streets not to exceed projected tax revenues over the tax term.

Limits light rail system spending to no more than 14 percent of collected revenues and requires major investment changes to go through a 180-day public comment period with approval by transportation policy committee and regional boards.

Establishes a regional public transportation authority in counties with 3 million or more persons and modifies the transportation policy committee to include two representatives from unincorporated areas starting fiscal year 2023-2024.