The state's Sexual Offender Registration Review Board recently recognized Rep. Kevin Tanner, R-Dawsonville, for his work on House Bill 122.

The bill allows the board to review parole records of convicted sex offenders prior to making a recommendation regarding registration requirements.

"I appreciate the recognition given to me by the state board. I heard testimony that the access the legislation has given the parole board has found several cases that had been misclassified," he said. "That was the intent and I'm glad to see it working the way it was intended to."

The 15-member board, which weighs the likelihood that a sexual offender will commit another crime and determines if offenders are considered a level one or two threat or a sexually dangerous predator, presented Tanner with a plaque during its meeting Dec. 13 in Atlanta.

"He's been an advocate for children and an advocate for the safety of his community for the many years I've known him," said Katie Strayhorn, board chairwoman. "I knew he would be the perfect person to assist us with this legislation."

During her presentation, Strayhorn said a quote from the late South African President Nelson Mandela perfectly described Tanner.

"A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination," she said.

Executive Director Tracy Alvord also recognized Strayhorn, a victim advocate for Northeastern Judicial Circuit District Attorney Lee Darragh, for her efforts getting the legislation passed.

"It was an honor to be able to work with Katie from the start of this process all the way to the conclusion. Katie does a tremendous job not only for the Northeast Georgia Judicial Circuit but also as chairman of the sex offender registration board in Atlanta," Tanner said.