State Sen. Timmy F. French has put forward new legislation seeking to amend the town of Front Royal’s charter, clarifying the procedures for appointing and removing the town manager, according to the Virginia State Senate.
The SB385 bill, introduced Jan. 14, 2026, during the 2026 regular session, is officially titled: “Front Royal, Town of; amending charter, relating to town manager.”
This summary is based on language found in the proposed legislation and may include explanatory interpretation for clarity.
The proposed legislation would revise the Front Royal charter to specify the appointment, required qualifications, and removal procedures for the town manager. Under its terms, the council must designate a town manager who serves as the chief administrative officer, is selected solely for executive and administrative expertise, and must reside in Front Royal for the duration of the appointment. The bill would prohibit council members from serving as town manager while holding elected office and permit the council to remove the manager for cause. The manager must be given written grounds and a public hearing before any final removal decision. The proposal also allows the council to suspend the manager during removal proceedings and appoint a substitute in the event of the manager’s absence or incapacity.
The sponsorship of the bill is held exclusively by Sen. Timmy F. French (Republican-1st District).
Since the regular session started, French has introduced two other bills.
French, a Republican, was elected in 2024 to represent the 1st Senate district in the Virginia State Senate, succeeding T. Monty Mason.
In Virginia, the legislative process begins with the introduction of a bill in either chamber. It moves to relevant committees for discussion, amendment, and possible approval. Once a committee agrees, the bill is debated and put to a vote on the chamber floor. After passing both chambers, the bill goes to the governor, who may sign, veto, or allow it to become law without signature. The Virginia General Assembly meets annually in regular session beginning the second Monday of January, and each year legislators bring forward hundreds of proposals, though not all become law.
| Legislative Session | Patron(s) | Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Timmy F. French | SB385 | 01/14/2026 | Front Royal, Town of; amending charter, relating to town manager. |
| 2026 | Timmy F. French and T. Travis Hackworth | SB383 | 01/14/2026 | Invasive plant species installation; written notification to property owners, civil penalty. |
| 2026 | Timmy F. French | SB390 | 01/14/2026 | Apple Board; repealing Board and Apple Fund effective July 1, 2028, delayed effective date, report. |
| 2025 | Timmy F. French | SB857 | 01/08/2025 | Dam Safety Act; powers and duties of DCR, rights and requirements of dam owners, civil penalty. |
