WA SB5790

Changes the cost-of-living index used for annual salary adjustments for community and technical college employees from the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to the implicit price deflator, beginning with the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium

Applies to academic employees of community and technical college districts and classified employees of technical colleges under collective bargaining jurisdiction (RCW 41.56)

Requires the state to fully fund cost-of-living increases, removing previous exceptions for fiscal years 2013-2014 and 2014-2015

College districts must certify annually to the college board that cost-of-living funds were spent on salaries and salary-related benefits

Effective July 1, 2025, declared an emergency measure necessary for public institutions