Kera Birkeland is resigning from the Utah Legislature

Rep. Kera Birkeland, best known for supporting a law that would ban transgender girls from school sports and restrict transgender use of restrooms and locker rooms, is resigning from the House after winning re-election in the fall .

Birkeland announced on social media on Thursday that she needs to spend more time with her family, especially her parents, and will resign from her seat effective January 10, 2025 – 11 days before the start of the General Meeting.

“My family and work commitments increasingly require my attention away from home, a trend that I expect will continue over the next year or two,” she wrote in a resignation letter to House Speaker Mike Schultz, which Birkeland reported in the published on social media.

“My time as a representative in the Utah House has been extremely fulfilling and has brought me joy and passion,” she wrote. “Ultimately, it is not the title that defines us, but rather the impact we make by encouraging the people we serve.”

In July, Birkeland was hired as policy director for the Montana Grain Growers Association, although she never disclosed the hire in her required conflict of interest disclosure. Her next disclosure would be due Jan. 10, the day her resignation becomes effective. The Montana legislative session begins January 6, 2025.

In a statement, Schultz said Birkeland was “a passionate advocate for the people of House District 4 and the people of Utah.” I am proud to call her a colleague and, more importantly, a friend.”

Birkeland was appointed in April 2020 to fill a vacancy in House District 4, which includes portions of Daggett, Duchesne, Morgan, Rich and Summit counties. She won re-election last month with 60% of the vote.

Her successor in the House of Representatives will be elected by the Republican delegates in District 4.

This story is current and may be updated.