The measure would enact strict limits on when a company can collect, store and analyze consumer information, while creating exemptions for nonprofits, educational institutions and hospitals.
Randy Billings
Staff Writer
Randy Billings is a government watchdog and political reporter who has been the State House bureau chief since 2021. He was named the Maine Press Association’s Journalist of the Year in 2020. He joined the Press Herald in 2012 as the Portland City Hall reporter, where his beat touched on a wide range of topics, including municipal government, immigration, homelessness, housing and social services. Prior to that, he worked at various weeklies as well as business and arts publications. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine, Orono. He lives in North Yarmouth with his wife and two children and enjoys the outdoors and playing his upright bass.
Posted inLocal & State
Maine House cancels session after Portland lawmaker has medical emergency
Rep. Michael Brennan, D-Portland, was taken to a hospital but a fellow lawmaker said he was expected to be released Tuesday.
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Posted inLocal & State, Maine Crime, Politics
Maine House advances bill to end 3 strikes law for thefts
Republicans warned that removing a possible felony charge for a 3rd conviction would embolden organized retail crime, while Democrats say the policy is outdated, and that most theft crimes don’t warrant a felony conviction.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
In Maine Legislature, momentum builds to rein in use of vague placeholder bills
Lawmakers are vowing to adopt new rules to provide more transparency for bills that are submitted with only a vague title and no explanation of intent.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Bill to shield providers of abortions and gender-affirming care advances after partisan clash
The measure backed by Democrats passed out of committee on an 8-4 party-line vote and now heads to floor votes in the Legislature.
Posted inLocal & State
Mills signs law to create 2 more public defenders offices
The new law will create offices to serve three rural counties that lack enough volunteer lawyers to represent people who can’t afford counsel.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Maine Democrats meet privately with ATF official as advocates work to build support for gun reforms
Democratic lawmakers meet in private with a federal firearms regulator to discuss existing rules in preparation for a key committee meeting Thursday. Republicans criticize the move, pass up an offer to do the same and say the discussions should have been public.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Maine Republicans use interim mass shooting report to argue against gun reforms
They point to the state commission’s finding that faulted the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office for not using existing laws to seize guns from the shooter before he killed 18 people in Lewiston.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine Legislature’s use of vague ‘concept bills’ has risen dramatically
Placeholder bills buy time to finalize details of legislation, but some significant and controversial proposals are only revealed at the last minute.
Posted inElections, Local & State, Politics
Effort to elect presidents using popular vote gains ground in Maine
The Maine Senate votes in support of a multistate plan to sidestep the Electoral College by pledging to support presidential candidates who win the national popular vote.