Gervin-Hawkins Files Bills on Wigs, NIL, Towns
Texas Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins has filed several bills ahead of the 90th legislative session, which begins January 12, 2027.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Legislative Policy
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Texas state Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins, a Democrat representing District 120, filed several bills during the week of November 11, 2026. The measures cover wig insurance coverage for breast cancer patients, protections for college athlete NIL trust funds, and a grant program for small towns.
Why it matters
Gervin-Hawkins said many women cannot afford wigs and that they should be covered like other prostheses, while she argued some athletes are making major financial decisions before they are ready. The filings come as lawmakers prepare to take up affordability, data centers and public education funding when the session opens in Austin.
HB 250 would seek an insurance contribution of up to $100 toward breast cancer wigs, and HB 187 would create a grant program for small municipalities. Neither bill has advanced beyond filing, and both await consideration in the 90th session.
The players
Barbara Gervin-Hawkins
A Democrat who represents District 120 in the Texas House and has built a record on health and community policy.
The details
The bills were filed by Democrat Barbara Gervin-Hawkins of District 120 in the Texas House. HB 250 would seek an insurance contribution of up to $100 to help breast cancer patients obtain wigs, while HB 187 targets towns losing young residents to work or school elsewhere. A separate filing addresses protections for college athletes' name, image and likeness trust funds.
Timeline
November 11, 2026: Article published about bills filed earlier that week.
January 12, 2027: The 90th Texas legislative session begins in Austin.
Legislative Context
The proposed increase to $17 from the Texas minimum wage of $7.25 revives a long-running contrast with the federal floor, which Texas has never raised above. Gervin-Hawkins's wig and athlete bills join a session where affordability is expected to dominate.
If enacted, HB 250 could lower out-of-pocket costs for breast cancer patients who need wigs, and HB 187 could bring grant funding to small towns. Current Texas workers remain subject to the $7.25 minimum wage unless lawmakers act.
The takeaway
Watch which of these filed bills receive committee hearings once the session starts, since most proposals never reach a floor vote. Residents can track bill status through the Texas Legislature's official website.
What happens next
The 90th Texas legislative session convenes January 12, 2027, when committees may schedule hearings on the filed bills.
Further reading
For more on how state lawmakers shape policy before a session opens, explore our Legislative Policy coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSAT.
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