Hartford (AP) - A state legislative committee is expected to hear testimony on Gov. Dannel Malloy's proposal to end a state mandate that requires the Connecticut State Police to have a minimum of 1,248 troopers on staff.

The minimum staffing level was imposed by a 1998 state law and is at the center of a legal battle between Malloy's administration and the Connecticut State Police Union.

Malloy's spokesman has called the 1,248 figure "arbitrary." But the union's president said an independent study should be conducted to determine how many troopers are necessary.

A judge recently sided with the union, which is seeking to require the state to adhere by the standard. There are currently 1,080 sworn members of the state police.

The Public Safety and Security Committee will hold a public hearing Tuesday.