A recently introduced measure from State Sen. Timmy F. French seeks to reorganize the Winchester Parking Authority’s powers in support of public health and welfare, as detailed by the Virginia State Senate.
Issued as SB800 on Jan. 23, 2026, during the 2026 regular session, the bill is formally titled, “Winchester Parking Authority Act; amends Act to grant Authority power to sell, etc.”
This summary is based directly on the bill text and includes clarification for understanding.
Fundamentally, the legislation proposes updates to the Winchester Parking Authority’s broad powers, refining and specifying its status as a public entity focused on promoting public health and welfare. The proposed revisions restate provisions allowing the construction, expansion, maintenance and operation of parking facilities in the city; permission to issue revenue and refunding bonds; set and adjust rates, fees, and regulations; acquire, lease, or transfer property; and execute contracts and employ personnel, while requiring expenditures be made only from legal sources. It further confirms that neither the authority nor its lessees are permitted to sell fuel, merchandise, or provide services besides parking vehicles at their properties.
Sen. Timmy F. French (Republican-1st District) is the sole sponsor of this measure.
Since the start of the current session, French has brought forward four additional bills.
French, a Republican, was elected in 2024 to the Virginia State Senate, representing the 1st District, succeeding T. Monty Mason in the position.
In Virginia, the law-making process starts with the introduction of a bill in either legislative chamber. Each proposal is assigned for committee review, amendments, and recommendation. Successfully reported bills reach the floor for debate and voting in both the Senate and House of Delegates before being sent to the governor for a signature, veto, or inaction. The annual session begins the second Monday of January, with legislators considering hundreds of bills—though only some are enacted.
| Legislative Session | Patron(s) | Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Timmy F. French | SB800 | 01/23/2026 | Winchester Parking Authority Act; amends Act to grant Authority power to sell, etc. |
| 2026 | Timmy F. French | SB773 | 01/22/2026 | Community Colleges, powers, State Board for; acquisition and improvement of certain property. |
| 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 | SB385 | 01/14/2026 | Front Royal, Town of; amending charter, relating to town manager. |
| 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. |
