Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration SNAP Penalties Against States

California Attorney General Rob Bonta secured a preliminary injunction from the U.S.

Court Order Blocs SNAP Fiscal Penalties for California

The U.S. The decision delays the expiration of the federal grace period through April 9, 2026. This legal shield protects California from substantial fiscal penalties under the “Big Beautiful Bill.” The dispute centers on U.S. Department of Agriculture guidance issued on October 31, 2025, which incorrectly restricted Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program eligibility for certain lawfully residing non-citizens who qualified after becoming lawful permanent residents.

Federal Guidance Shift and the Grace Period Conflict

The Trump administration issued clarifying guidance on December 9, acknowledging that lawful permanent residents are indeed eligible for SNAP benefits. However, the administration declined to grant states the standard 120-day grace period required by federal regulations after the release of implementing guidance. Without this cushion, states faced severe financial liabilities. Attorney General Bonta, leading a multistate coalition, filed a lawsuit to contest the denial of the grace period.

“Because of our lawsuit, the Trump Administration issued new guidance ensuring that legal permanent residents will not be wrongfully denied SNAP benefits and, with today’s court order, we’ve made sure that the states do not pay the price for this Administration’s delayed and incorrect guidance,” Attorney General Bonta stated in an official release.

Prior Legal Battles Over SNAP Funding

This preliminary injunction marks a development in ongoing legal conflicts between California and the federal government regarding food assistance programs. During a recent government shutdown, Attorney General Bonta sued the USDA to compel the release of November SNAP funding. Two federal district courts ruled that the administration’s withholding actions were unlawful. The administration subsequently petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to pause the lower court order, but withdrew the request after the federal government reopened. State records confirm that the SNAP program remains fully funded through September 2026.