Attorney General Bonta Secures Final Ruling Blocking Trump Administration from Penalizing California for USDA's Erroneous Guidance on SNAP Eligibility

OAKLAND - California Attorney General Rob Bonta yesterday secured a decision by the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon permanently blocking the Trump Administration from penalizing states like California for errors resulting from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's erroneous guidance unlawfully restricting eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

"There is no excuse for defending sloppiness, particularly sloppiness that would have ripped vital food assistance away from eligible families in need," said Attorney General Bonta. "Yesterday, a court agreed, vacating the Trump Administration's erroneous guidance and ensuring California is not penalized for the Administration's mistakes. As Attorney General, I'll always stand up for and stand with California families doing their best to make ends meet."

Last year, Attorney General Bonta and a multistate coalition sued the Trump Administration, arguing that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's October 31, 2025, guidance erroneously excluded certain lawfully residing non-citizens from SNAP eligibility, when they in fact are eligible when they become lawful permanent residents. Additionally, the Administration refused to provide the states the required 120-day grace period that follows the issuance of new guidance. On December 9 and 10, the Trump Administration issued further guidance clarifying that certain lawfully residing non-citizens are in fact eligible for SNAP when they become lawful permanent residents, but it continued to refuse to provide the required grace period.