Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly issued an executive order on Tuesday expanding parental leave benefits to primary caregivers, secondary caregivers and foster parents, according to a news release from her office.

“Supporting working parents in our workforce is not only the right thing to do — it’s good for our economy,” Kelly said. “We’re committed to recruiting and keeping talented Kansans in our state and creating a supportive environment for our families.”

Under the new policy, primary and secondary caregivers, along with foster parents, receive the additional leave. The new policy is as follows, according to the release:

• Primary caregivers receive eight weeks of leave (an increase of two weeks from the original policy);

• Secondary caregivers receive four weeks of leave (an increase of one week from the original policy);

• Foster parents are now eligible for parental leave, with primary caregivers receiving eight weeks of leave and secondary caregivers receiving four weeks of leave;

• Parental leave can now be used 30 days in advance of the birth date, adoption or fostering of a child or children per calendar year;

• New state employees become eligible after 180 days of employment. Current employees will not be subjected to this requirement.

Effective immediately, the Kansas Department of Administration’s Office of Personnel Services will implement the new policy and provide information to State of Kansas agencies and employees.