The New Braunfels ISD board of trustees updated its library materials policy on Sept. 8 following the passage of Senate Bill 13.

SB 13 was passed by Texas lawmakers during this year's regular legislative session and became law Sept. 1. It aims to give parents and school boards more oversight over school library books, as previously reported by Community Impact.

What you need to know: Trustees are now required to approve any new book purchases or donations before they go into the district’s collection, according to SB 13, Chief Academic Officer Lani Norman said.

“Our librarians used to be the sole person that would review the books before they went into our libraries—now the school board must approve any new book purchases or donations, and in addition, we must offer opportunities for our community to view the list and provide feedback as well,” Norman said.

The intent of the new policy is to provide an opportunity for feedback before a book is purchased or donated to NBISD’s distribution collection.

When Kansas Sartin figured out he could combine his design talents with his welding skills, he knew he could find a way to make road trips, camping and traveling much easier.

The context: After welding a prototype cargo carrier for his truck in 2012 and eventually perfecting it with aluminum, Sartin said he realized how useful it could be for virtually anyone. In 2017, Sartin founded Pakmule—a truck and SUV outfitter that specializes in cargo carriers.

“I wanted to make it easier for anyone to load up all of their gear and get out of town for a trip on a Friday," Sartin said.

What’s special about it? Pakmule's hitch cargo carriers stand out due to their anti-wobble system, lightweight, rust free material and unblocked access to vehicle trunks and beds, Sartin said.

“We try to innovate constantly with these products and listen to any feedback we can get,” he said.

Methodist Hospital Northeast added to its leadership team in September.

What you need to know: Rogelio Reyes has been appointed chief financial officer of the Live Oak hospital, according to a Sept. 11 news release.

Reyes has more than 23 years of health care finance experience, including serving as CFO for St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital in San Antonio and Laredo Medical Center. He was also previously the controller for Methodist Hospital Atascosa within the Methodist Healthcare system, the release states.

The appointment comes after former CFO David Heckman moved into the same role at Methodist Hospital Metropolitan in August, according to previous reporting by Community Impact. 

Quote of note: Methodist Hospital Northeast CEO Jerrica George said they were excited to welcome Reyes as the new CFO.

"His strong financial leadership and extensive healthcare experience will be a great asset to our hospital and the communities we serve,” George said in the release.

Gov. Greg Abbott issued a Sept. 10 executive order aimed at prohibiting hemp-derived THC products from being sold to minors, which he called “safety for kids, freedom for adults.” The order comes one week after a special legislative session ended without Abbott and state lawmakers agreeing on legislation to ban or restrict THC sales.

The details: Abbott’s order directs the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to “immediately begin the rulemaking process” on new THC regulations, including:

• Limiting THC sales to people 21 years and older
• Requiring THC retailers to check all customers’ IDs
• Expanding testing and labeling requirements for THC products
• Raising manufacturer and retailer licensing fees to cover costs of enforcing the new rules
• Enhancing monitoring by state and local law enforcement