OLYMPIA, WA — Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown announced Monday that a federal judge has issued a court order temporarily blocking the Trump administration from imposing millions of dollars in fines on states related to their administration of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), according to a statement from Brown’s office.

The ruling from the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon prevents the federal government from penalizing states while litigation continues over changes to SNAP eligibility and enforcement requirements. Brown said the administration’s actions threatened access to food assistance for vulnerable populations, including seniors, children, and people living with disabilities.

Brown joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general on Nov. 26 in filing a lawsuit after the administration moved to cut off SNAP benefits for tens of thousands of lawful permanent residents, including green card holders. On Dec. 10, the administration reversed course and issued new guidance confirming that lawful permanent residents, including former refugees and asylees, remain eligible for SNAP benefits.

Despite that reversal, the administration continued to threaten states with financial penalties, arguing they failed to meet a required implementation “grace period.” Brown’s office said states could not comply because final guidance was not issued until Dec. 10.

The court’s order temporarily blocks those penalties and allows SNAP programs to continue operating while the case proceeds. Brown said his office will continue legal efforts to ensure uninterrupted access to food assistance during the holiday season.