Amid a backlash, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and a chorus of state senators said the the state's plan for building new high-voltage transmission lines needs to be changed as the oil and gas industry faces an electricity shortage.

A package of bills aims to better prepare the state to prevent and fight wildfires.

The legislation, which won unanimous approval in both chambers, was written following the state’s historic Panhandle wildfires last year.

Among the proposals is a bill that would force more inspections of power lines, which a committee concluded ignited a blaze that burned more than 1 million acres last year.

House Bill 63 is an attempt to reduce the amount of vindictive or false child abuse reports made to the state, but child advocates say it will deter valid reports, too.

After high-profile clashes with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a fellow Republican, Seliger suspects members of his own party are trying to oust him.