1.__Definitions.__As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A.__"Deployed for military service" or "deployment" means active military duty with the state military forces, as defined in Title 37-B, section 102, or the United States Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves, whether pursuant to orders of the Governor or the President of the United States, when the duty assignment is in a combat theater or in an area where armed conflict is taking place.

B. "Employee" means any person who may be permitted, required or directed by an employer in consideration of direct or indirect gain or profit to engage in any employment and who has been employed by the same employer for at least 12 months and has been employed for at least 1,250 hours of service during the 12-month period immediately preceding the commencement of the employee's family military leave.__"Employee" includes an independent contractor.

C. "Employee benefits" means all benefits, other than salary and wages, provided or made available to employees by an employer and includes group life insurance, health insurance, disability insurance and pensions, regardless of whether benefits are provided by a policy or practice of an employer.

D. "Employer" means:

(1) Any person, partnership, corporation, association or other business entity; and

(2) The State, a county, a municipality or any political subdivision.

E.__"Family military leave" means leave requested by an employee who is the spouse, domestic partner or parent of a person who is a resident of the State and is deployed for military service for a period lasting longer than 180 days with the State or United States pursuant to the orders of the Governor or the President of the United States.

2.__Family military leave requirement.__Subject to the requirements of subsection 3, an employer that employs 50 or more