The State Bar of California’s Board of Trustees addressed significant budget challenges during their January meeting, planning to request a licensing fee increase for 2025 from the Legislature. With a projected deficit in the General Fund, discussions highlighted the need for sustainable funding to maintain operations and implement necessary reforms. The Board approved a cost-reduction plan for the July 2024 bar exam to mitigate deficits in the Admissions Fund, focusing on streamlining test sites while maintaining exam integrity. Additionally, efforts to address structural deficits included fee increases and cost-cutting strategies. The Board also reviewed progress on governance reforms and discussed legislative priorities, emphasizing the importance of securing adequate funding for public protection. Other actions included training sessions on conflicts of interest and generative AI in the legal profession, as well as reviewing progress on the organization’s strategic plan.