On Tuesday, the Oklahoma House of Representatives unanimously passed the Sergeant CJ Nelson Legacy Act to provide free post-secondary education administrative fees and room and board for children of fallen first responders.

House Bill 1795, authored by Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond, would waive administrative fees in state colleges and universities and CareerTech centers for the children of peace officers, firefighters or emergency medical technicians who died in the line of duty. The measure is named after Sgt. CJ Nelson, who was the first Edmond officer killed in the line of duty.

"Current Oklahoma statute provides tuition exemptions for children of fallen officers, but the cost of room and board can still discourage them from attendance," Osburn said. "The Sergeant CJ Nelson Legacy Act covers those costs to take a weight off children and families who unfortunately find themselves grappling with a tragic and often public loss."

On July 22, 2022, Sgt. CJ Nelson, 38, was stopped at a red light on a motorcycle when he was struck by a utility truck. He later died at the hospital.

Nelson was one day shy of his 13th anniversary with the Edmond Police Department and previously served two years with the Honolulu Police Department.

Nelson and his wife Jenefer had two children, now 13 and 8.

"We are so grateful for the authors of this bill and all who stand behind it," Jenefer said. "CJ's spirit of selfless service will live on through this legacy act. First responders and their families sacrifice so much to help and protect others. I find comfort knowing our personal tragedy can transform into something positive for the children of fallen first responders."

"First responders and their families—not only in Edmond but across the state—feel very seen and heard today," said Edmond Chief of Police J.D. Younger.

The bill passed the House 92-0 and now moves to the Senate, where it is carried by Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond.