LUBBOCK, Texas — Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Kelly Rowe, the Lubbock County Sheriff, as the chair of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. Rowe has been a board member since 2015, and his term was set to end in 2027.
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards is responsible for regulating all county and privately operated municipal jails in Texas, with a mission to assist local governments in maintaining safe and secure jail facilities. Sheriff Rowe’s appointment as chair extends his current term to an unspecified length, as he will serve until further notice from the Office of the Governor, according to a press release from the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Rowe expressed his gratitude for the appointment, stating, “The Texas Commission on Jail Standards does tremendously important work, ensuring the safety and preservation of rights for staff and inmates inside Texas’ jails.” He also thanked Governor Abbott for the opportunity to utilize his extensive experience to serve the state.