Virginia General Assembly approves SB800 to revise Winchester Parking Authority’s role

Legislation advanced by State Sen. Timmy F. French aims to clarify and reorganize the powers of the Winchester Parking Authority regarding the management of parking facilities and limitations on non-parking sales, as reported by the Virginia State Senate.

The measure was approved by both legislative chambers and officially enrolled as of March 2, 2026, receiving a 95-0 vote in the House and a 40-0 vote in the Senate.

Filed as SB800 on Jan. 23, 2026, during the regular 2026 session, the bill was described by the legislature as: “Winchester Parking Authority Act; amends Act to grant Authority power to sell, etc.”

The following overview is based on analysis of the actual bill text and may include interpretation to aid understanding of the provisions.

Essentially, the bill revises the Winchester Parking Authority’s general powers by reorganizing and clarifying its status as a public instrumentality for community health and welfare. It updates and reiterates the authority to build, expand, manage, and operate parking facilities within the city; issue revenue and refunding bonds; adjust rates, fees, and regulations; acquire, lease, and transfer property; and enter into contracts and employ personnel, with costs paid only from approved funds. The bill also restates that neither the authority nor its lessees may sell fuel, goods, or services other than vehicle parking at these facilities.

In the House, 64 Democrats and 31 Republicans voted for the bill.

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

The sponsorship came exclusively from Sen. Timmy F. French (Republican-1st District).

French, a Republican, was elected in 2024 to represent the state’s 1st Senate District, taking over from former senator T. Monty Mason.

In Virginia, the legislative process starts with a bill’s introduction in either the House of Delegates or the Senate. Bills are assigned to one or more committees for review and possible revision. If committees approve, the bills move to floor debate and votes in both chambers. After both chambers pass a bill, it goes to the governor, who can sign, veto, or allow it to become law without a signature. The General Assembly meets annually in regular session beginning the second Monday of January, with hundreds of bills introduced each session, although not all become law.

Information in this article was obtained from the Virginia State Senate. The source material is available here.