Rep. Kevin Tanner was recently recognized by the Brain & Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission for his leadership in passing legislation that could transfer additional funding to help those with traumatic brain injuries.

"I was honored ... to receive the Pathfinder Award from the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission," he said.

Tanner was the primary author and sponsor of House Bill 870 and House Resolution 1183 during the past legislative session. The bill, which imposes additional fees for reckless driving violations when they are pleaded down from driving under the influence, passed overwhelmingly in both houses.

The resolution proposes an amendment to the Constitution that allows the General Assembly to impose additional penalties or fees for the offense of reckless driving with fees to be distributed to the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund.

Tanner was also named legislator of the year by the Brain Injury Association of Georgia for his work on a resolution.

Voters going to the state ballots in November will be asked to approve the measure.

"Having this as a Constitutional amendment would protect the funds from being used for any other purpose," Tanner said. "The money could be used for families of those injured to purchase wheelchairs, make their homes handicap accessible and for things such as special software equipment for computers.

"It really is designed to give them extra help they need to survive with a traumatic brain injury."