Budget staff presented a fiscal update showing an authorized CSLB budget of $83,000,000 and year‑end projections near $96,000,000 for the fiscal year. The materials show a beginning fund balance of $56,800,000 and a projected reserve increase to roughly $62,000,000 (about eight months of reserves) if projections hold.

Staff also reported an increase in original licenses issued (approximately a 10% rise in the first quarter) and steady renewals. The report noted a 7% vacancy rate: about 30 vacant positions out of 423.5 authorized slots. Department of Finance approval was reported for increasing grant disbursements this year from $175,000 to $225,000.

Board members asked clarifying questions about fiscal-year dates in materials; staff corrected an inconsistency in the presentation (the fiscal year runs July 1–June 30). Staff said recruiting and job fairs remain priorities for hard-to-fill positions in higher‑cost regions.