A judge says she'll rule that the US still cannot force states to provide data on SNAP recipients - AP News
AP News
February 13, 2026
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A federal judge has ruled that the U.S. government cannot compel states to share detailed information about SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients. The decision, which focuses on privacy rights and state sovereignty, has significant implications for how federal and state governments manage food assistance programs.
The case centered on a lawsuit filed by several state attorneys general challenging the U.S. Department of Agriculture's authority to obtain personal data from states participating in SNAP. Federal officials argued that such information was necessary for program oversight and combating fraud. However, the judge ruled against the government's request, citing legal protections for individual privacy and asserting that forcing states to comply would overstep federal powers.
This ruling highlights a delicate balance between ensuring transparency in public programs and safeguarding personal data. Advocates for privacy rights argue that such decisions are crucial in an era where sensitive information is increasingly shared across government systems. The outcome also underscores the importance of state autonomy in managing social welfare programs, raising questions about how similar cases might be resolved in the future.
The decision has drawn attention from policymakers and legal experts, who view it as a landmark moment for federalism and data privacy. As SNAP remains a critical tool in addressing food insecurity, the ruling could influence how other government programs handle information sharing, potentially affecting everything from fraud detection to program evaluation. For now, states retain control over their SNAP recipient data, maintaining a level of privacy protection that aligns with growing concerns about data security and personal rights.
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Originally published on AP News on 2/13/2026