While laying out a utility-related bill on the House floor, State Rep. Ken King (R–Canadian) faced pointed criticism from one of his colleagues over the fate of stalled Republican priorities.
During discussion of House Bill 4668, which allows the Public Utility Commission to retain outside experts to support utility rate cases, State Rep. Tony Tinderholt (R–Arlington) took the opportunity to confront King, who chairs the powerful State Affairs Committee, for holding up several key conservative proposals.
“Chairman King, does this bill have anything to do with women’s privacy?” Tinderholt asked, to which King answered, “No.”
“It doesn’t have anything to do with taxpayer-funded lobbying?” Tinderholt asked.
“No,” responded King.
“Does it have anything to do with E-Verify?” King once again said it did not.
“Those three bills are being locked up in your committee, and people want to see them on the floor,” said Tinderholt.
With only days left before important deadlines, @KingForTexas is killing bills to ban taxpayer-funded lobbying, protect women’s privacy, and require E-Verify.
These bills will pass if they get to the floor. It’s time to stop the obstructing and let the House vote! #txlege pic.twitter.com/1hQmacHxXI
— Rep. Tony Tinderholt (@reptinderholt) May 6, 2025
Indeed, the Texas Senate has already passed legislation to implement mandatory E-Verify for employers, ban taxpayer-funded lobbying, and prohibit biological men from entering women’s spaces, such as restrooms—each is a stated priority of the Republican Party of Texas.
State Rep. Brent Money (R–Greenville) recently told Texas Scorecard he was informed by King specifically that taxpayer-funded lobbying legislation would not receive a hearing.
Despite calls from grassroots activists and fellow lawmakers to advance the bills, King has not held hearings on them in his committee. His office did not respond to a request for comment.
