LET'S MAKE A DEAL: California struck a deal today with auto giant Stellantis to support the state’s vehicle emissions standards, a move to protect its strictest-in-the-nation electric vehicle sales rules from a potential Trump administration. Stellantis — the fourth-largest automaker in the world with brands like Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge — will sign onto the same framework negotiated by five major automakers in 2019 during Trump’s tenure. The company committed to following California requirements to sell increasing numbers of electric vehicles through 2030, even if the state “is unable to enforce its standards as a result of judicial or federal action.” That language comes amid fears that Trump will again revoke California’s waiver to set stricter air quality rules if he wins a second term. A group of Republican-governed states led by Ohio is also challenging California’s clean cars waiver, arguing that California’s unique authority to set air quality standards violates the Constitution, under a legal theory that all states need to be treated equally. The case was heard in September in the District of Columbia Circuit Court and is expected to go to the Supreme Court. — Alex Nieves COLLEGE HAZING: Assemblymember Chris Holden is bringing back a bill that would make institutions of higher education legally liable for harms caused by hazing in fraternities, sororities and other student groups, hoping to revive the effort after Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a similar measure last year. The bill, AB 2193, would place civil liability on a college or university that had direct involvement in the hazing practices at affiliated organizations, knew or should have known about the hazing and failed to take reasonable steps to stop it, or unreasonably failed to prevent or discover the hazing practices. The governor last year rejected the bill because he said it created “expansive financial exposure” for an institution, and encouraged Holden to more clearly define liability. Holden’s new bill makes modest changes to address those concerns. The bill passed out of the Assembly Judiciary Committee this morning despite opposition from the Association of Independent California Colleges & Universities, California State University and the Association of California Community College Administrators. It now heads to the committee on higher education. — Lara Korte RECALL PAINS: Kelly Lawler, the treasurer for the Gavin Newsom recall committee Rescue California, has resigned after she was allegedly pressured by California Republican leaders. Lawler was pressured into stepping down by GOP leaders who are privately skeptical of the recall, according to a Republican official briefed on the matter who was granted anonymity to discuss internal party issues. Asked about the decision, Lawler responded that “while I did receive calls asking me to step down, I am my own woman and it was my decision.” Anne Dunsmore, with Rescue California, told POLITICO in response to questions: “We appreciated her work and understand her dilemma. She has promised a smooth transition. It’s no big deal.” When asked about support for the recall, California Republican Party Chair Jessica Millan Patterson said the group is focused elsewhere. “While Gavin Newsom has undoubtedly been a disaster as governor, from building a record $73 billion budget deficit to worsening a homeless crisis and championing pro-criminal policies, the CAGOP is squarely focused on retaining the GOP House majority and electing California Republicans up and down the ticket,” she said in a statement. — Christopher Cadelago and Lara Korte
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