Texas troopers’ union sues over new waistline requirements

A union for Texas troopers is suing the state over a new policy that limits the size officers’ waistlines.

The Department of Public Safety now requires male officers’ waistlines to be slimmer than 40 inches. Women’s waists must measure 35 inches or less.

While troopers have always been subject to fitness standards, the president of the Texas Department of Public Safety Officers calls the new requirements demeaning.

The lawsuit alleges the new policy violates state law because it doesn’t directly relate to a trooper’s job duties and wasn’t developed with the aid of a consultant.

The union is asking a judge to put the waistline standards on hold while the case moves forward.

The state agency says it doesn’t comment on pending litigation.

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AP Only 2019