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.
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PublishedApril 25, 2024
Maine’s high court upholds COVID vaccine mandate for EMS personnel
A group of emergency medical personnel challenged the 2021 vaccine mandate, but the Maine Supreme Judicial Court says a state board had full authority to impose the rule.
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PublishedApril 12, 2024
Gov. Mills signs bill to ban unauthorized paramilitary activity
The law allows the attorney general’s office to file for a court injunction to stop the activity and penalize anyone breaking the law with a Class D crime, which is punishable by fines of $500 to $1,000 and up to a year in jail.
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PublishedApril 12, 2024
Senate moves to exempt sole store targeted by bill to ban tobacco sales near schools
A Senate version of a bill to ban tobacco sales within 300 feet of a school would allow existing, licensed stores to keep tobacco sales.
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PublishedApril 12, 2024
Bill to allow lawsuits against gun manufacturers narrowly advances to the Senate
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, cleared the House of Representatives last night by a 4-vote margin, with at least 6 Democrats joining Republicans in opposition.
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PublishedApril 12, 2024
Maine lawmakers endorse higher tax brackets for wealthier residents
Both the House and Senate this week passed a bill that lowers state income taxes for low- and middle-wage earners.
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PublishedApril 11, 2024
Governor, House speaker call on Senate president to reconvene budget committee
Gov. Janet Mills also has asked Senate President Troy Jackson to hold a floor vote on a $60 million proposal to rebuild storm-damaged coastal infrastructure.
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PublishedApril 11, 2024
House censures Republican lawmakers who said Lewiston shooting was God’s response to abortion expansion
House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross requires Reps. Michael Lemelin and Shelley Rudnicki to read a formal apology on the House floor before restoring their right to speak during floor debates.
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PublishedApril 10, 2024
Maine Legislature advances abortion, gender care shield bill after heated debate
The legislation to shield providers of legally protected abortion and gender-affirming care from hostile, out-of-state litigation faces more votes in both chambers before going to the governor.
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PublishedApril 9, 2024
Gov. Janet Mills vetoes bill to end 3 strikes law for thefts
L.D. 2246, sponsored by Rep. David Sinclair, D-Bath, would prohibit charging a person who already has at least 2 prior theft convictions with a Class C felony if the third theft is of property valued at $500 or less.
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PublishedApril 9, 2024
House folds on bill to give tribes exclusive internet gaming rights
The proposal sought to build off the tribe’s exclusive rights to online sports gambling.