It’s been close to two decades since a High Plains Senator has been third in line to the governorship. 
   
 But that all changed yesterday with Texas Senator Kel Seliger.
 
In 1999, officials say Teel Bivins was picked as President Pro Tem.
 
That was in the 78th legislature.
 
But for the first day of the 85th legislature, Texas Senator Kel Seliger was sworn in as President Pro Tem.
 
It’s a story we first brought to you last night. 
    
Elected by the Senate, President Pro Tem is a largely honorary position.
   
 Senator Seliger is now third in the line for the Governorship of Texas. 
 
Some background on this honor.
 
Officials say at the start of each session, the senate elects one member to serve as the President Pro Tem.
 
We’re told this is necessary when the Lieutenant Governor is absent or if that office becomes vacant. 
 
So if the Governor and Lieutenant Governor are both out of the state, the President Pro Tem becomes the acting governor in their absence.
 
Tomorrow senator Seliger will hold a joint press conference on legislation to continue individual graduation committees. 
   
We’re told these committees give students who fail one or two STAAR exams but otherwise meet all other graduation requirements, a path to graduation.
 
 
Elected by the Senate, President Pro Tempore is a largely honorary position but is third in the line for the Governorship of Texas.
 
At the start of each session, the Senate elects one member to serve as the President Pro Tempore when the Lieutenant Governor is absent or that office becomes vacant.

If the Governor and Lieutenant Governor are both out of the state, the President Pro Tempore is acting governor in their absence.