AUGUSTA - A new Maine law will expand the state's family medical leave law to also cover employees who must take time off from work to care for a sick brother or sister.

Gov. John Baldacci signed the bill on Thursday, and it will take effect later this year.

Maine's current law allows qualified employees 10 weeks of leave — either paid or unpaid — to care for a sick child, spouse or parent. Last year, the law was expanded to cover those who need to care for a domestic partner.

Now, the law is being broadened again to include a sibling with whom the employee has joint living and financial arrangements.