SB385, backed by Sen. French, gains legislative approval to amend Front Royal town manager rules

Legislation introduced by State Sen. Timmy F. French updates Front Royal’s charter, outlining processes for naming, qualifying, and removing the town manager, according to the Virginia State Senate.

The bill passed both the House and Senate and was formally enrolled on March 2, 2026, with a 94-3 House vote and unanimous 40-0 approval in the Senate.

Identified as SB385, the proposal was brought forward on Jan. 14, 2026, as part of the regular legislative session. Its official summary states: “Front Royal, Town of; amending charter, relating to town manager.”

Below is a breakdown of the bill’s provisions based on the actual bill text; details may be elaborated for clarity.

The bill modifies the Front Royal charter to define protocols for appointing, qualifying, and removing the town manager. The council must appoint a town manager to serve as chief administrative officer, basing the selection solely on executive and administrative skills, and the individual must reside in town during the term. Elected council members are prohibited from holding the position while serving. The council may remove the manager for cause, and the manager is entitled to written reasons and a public hearing before a final removal vote. The council may suspend the manager during proceedings and appoint a qualified interim manager in cases of absence or disability.

House supporters included 61 Democrats and 33 Republicans; three Democrats voted against the measure.

In the Senate, 21 Democrats and 19 Republicans supported the legislation.

The bill’s sole sponsor was Sen. Timmy F. French (Republican-1st District).

French was elected as a Republican to the Virginia State Senate for the 1st District in 2024, succeeding former senator T. Monty Mason.

In Virginia, the legislative process starts with bill introduction in either chamber, then moves to committee assessment and potential amendment. Approvals send the bill to the floor for debated votes in both houses. If both approve, the governor may sign, veto, or permit the bill to become law without signing. The General Assembly meets annually in regular session beginning the second Monday in January, receiving hundreds of proposals each term.

Information for this report was sourced from the Virginia State Senate. Access the original data here.