SNAP benefits rules imposed by the Trump administration suffered a major legal setback in Oregon. A federal judge permanently blocked a deadline exposing states to potentially massive penalties. The ruling also invalidated guidance affecting some lawful permanent residents, as Baltimore Chronicle reports. The decision was issued on September 17, 2026.
The case was heard by U.S. District Judge Mustafa T. Kasubhai in Oregon. The [Oregon Department of Justice] later confirmed that the ruling made a December 2025 preliminary injunction permanent. The court’s full [opinion and order] granted the states’ summary judgment motion.
Judge blocks SNAP penalties for states
The dispute centered partly on a federal deadline for implementing SNAP changes. USDA guidance established an exclusionary period linked to changes enacted under H.R. 1 in July 2025.
The court found the deadline arbitrary and unlawful. States received conflicting or incomplete guidance while facing financial consequences for implementation errors.
The ruling means:
- states cannot be penalized under the invalid deadline;
- federal agencies must respect the required implementation period;
- disputed guidance cannot exclude eligible lawful permanent residents.
The December injunction had already stopped immediate penalties. The September ruling now provides permanent relief on the claims decided by the court.
Lawful permanent residents remain eligible for SNAP
Another dispute involved SNAP eligibility for immigrants with lawful permanent resident status.
The court found that federal guidance improperly excluded some former refugees and asylum recipients. These groups can retain statutory exceptions to the usual five-year waiting period after becoming lawful permanent residents.
| Issue | Court ruling |
|---|---|
| State penalty deadline | Unlawful |
| Retroactive implementation period | Rejected |
| Certain lawful permanent residents | Remain eligible |
| Former refugees and asylees | Five-year wait may not apply |
| December 2025 injunction | Made permanent |
The judgment also covered deadlines connected with other SNAP eligibility calculations under H.R. 1. The court said USDA had failed to provide states with adequate notice.
What the SNAP ruling changes
Oregon and New York co-led the coalition challenging the federal policy. The case included 22 states and the District of Columbia. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown was among the officials participating in the challenge.
The administration had already revised its position on lawful permanent residents in December 2025. However, the dispute continued over penalties and the validity of earlier guidance.
For states, the ruling removes the disputed penalty deadline. For affected residents, it clarifies eligibility protections under federal SNAP law.
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