Attorney General
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Md. A.G. Brown Announces Health Education and Advocacy Unit Saved Nearly $2.6 Million for Patients in FY 2025
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Jan. 13 (TNSrpt) -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on Jan. 12, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Announces Health Education and Advocacy Unit Saved Nearly $2.6 Million for Patients in FY 2025
Annual Report Reveals Health Insurance Denials Are Rarely Challenged, but Appeals Are Often Successful
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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced today that his Health Education and Advocacy Unit (HEAU) within the Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Attorney General closed 2,068 complaints in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, assisting
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, Jan. 13 (TNSrpt) -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on Jan. 12, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Announces Health Education and Advocacy Unit Saved Nearly $2.6 Million for Patients in FY 2025
Annual Report Reveals Health Insurance Denials Are Rarely Challenged, but Appeals Are Often Successful
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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced today that his Health Education and Advocacy Unit (HEAU) within the Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Attorney General closed 2,068 complaints in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, assistingpatients in saving or recovering nearly $2.6 million dollars, including more than $1.6 million in appeals and grievances cases. The information was included as a part of the comprehensive FY 2025 Annual Report (https://oag.maryland.gov/our-office/Documents/pdfs/OAG%20Annual%20Report%202025.pdf) on the Health Insurance Carrier Appeals and Grievances Process that is submitted to the General Assembly each year.
The HEAU offers mediation services to consumers facing issues such as private health insurance, medical billing concerns, hospital financial assistance applications, medical debt collection, and access to medical records. The HEAU also helps consumers who have problems enrolling in a private health plan on Maryland Health Connection, the state's health insurance marketplace, or with obtaining financial assistance to lower the cost of coverage.
"Marylanders shouldn't have to navigate the health care system by themselves when they get a confusing medical bill or their insurance denies them coverage," said Attorney General Brown. "That's where our Health Education and Advocacy Unit comes in: we level the playing field and help Marylanders get the medical care they need, the coverage they have paid for, and the financial assistance they are entitled to."
Key Findings
The HEAU Annual Report reflects that denials of coverage happen routinely without being challenged. In fact, according to carrier-reported data over the last 10 fiscal years, on average, only 10% of adverse decisions were challenged, and on average 55% of those denials are reversed when challenged. Given the low number of grievances filed and the likelihood of a positive outcome when a grievance is filed, consumers who are denied coverage are urged to seek help from the Health Education and Advocacy Unit.
Mediation of Appeals and Grievances
Of the cases closed by the HEAU in FY 2025, the HEAU mediated 449 appeals and grievances-related cases. As a result of the HEAU mediation process, 52% of the medical necessity cases, 47% of the coverage decision cases, and 57% of the eligibility denial cases were overturned or modified. When the original denial is not overturned or modified, the HEAU is often able to negotiate a reduction in the billed fee from the provider and set up reasonable payment plans for consumers.
FY 2025 Case Examples
In one case mediated by the HEAU, a consumer was experiencing severe back pain that required surgery. The pain was so intense that he relied on narcotic medications, which impaired his ability to function. His carrier denied coverage for the surgery, finding it not medically necessary. After internal appeals with his carrier failed, the HEAU submitted an external appeal to the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA). The denial was overturned by an independent medical reviewer, the consumer received the necessary surgery, and has since reported significant physical improvement and better quality of life. To watch this consumer's story, click here (https://drive.google.com/file/d/19kzItoRCISdHvofLfUNhWD3YqQ-bojIG/view?usp=sharing).
In another case mediated by the HEAU, a consumer was admitted to the hospital for a tongue laceration. During the hospital stay, the consumer also experienced alcohol withdrawal and was treated for both conditions. A supplemental insurance carrier denied coverage of his care, claiming an exclusion in the policy prevented coverage if the patient was admitted while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. However, the consumer was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time. The HEAU intervened, challenging the denial, and the carrier ultimately reversed its decision, saving $12,000 for the consumer.
Surprise Medical Bills
The HEAU also assists consumers faced with surprise medical bills, which has been a persistent problem for consumers in Maryland and nationwide. The No Surprises Act, which became effective January 1, 2022, established new protections from surprise billing and excessive cost sharing for consumers receiving out-of-network healthcare items and services in emergency situations and while at in-network facilities.
In one recent No Surprises Act case, a pediatric consumer was transferred from the emergency room to inpatient psychiatric care within the same hospital - just two floors apart. While the rest of the hospital was in-network, the psychiatric unit was out-of-network, a fact that was not disclosed to the consumer's parent at the time of transfer. The claim for services was processed by the carrier as out-of-network, requiring the family to meet their $10,000 out-of-network deductible and other out-of-network cost sharing obligations, rather than as in-network as required by the No Surprises Act. The HEAU intervened, challenging how the claim was processed; all claims were ultimately processed as in-network, saving the family $23,500.
Medical Billing Disputes
The HEAU also helps consumers with medical billing disputes. In three recent cases, consumers responded to television advertisements offering free consultations or trials at erectile dysfunction clinics. Each was asked to sign loan applications during the consultation - often without adequate explanation of the terms or copies of the documents. When the consumers decided against treatment or were unable to obtain the treatment because the clinic closed, both the clinics and lenders refused to cancel the loans. The HEAU intervened in all three cases, saving consumers a combined $17,000.
Consumers seeking assistance from the Health Education and Advocacy Unit can call the Unit's Hotline Monday to Friday, 10 am to 2 pm, at 410-528-1840 (en espanol: 410-230-1712) or file a complaint online at www.MarylandCares.org.
Copies of previous years' reports can be found here (https://oag.maryland.gov/our-office/Pages/heau.aspx).
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REPORT: https://oag.maryland.gov/our-office/Documents/pdfs/OAG%20Annual%20Report%202025.pdf
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Announces-Health-Education-and-Advocacy-Unit-Saved-Nearly-$2.6-Million-for-Patients-in-FY-2025-.aspx
Attorney General Ken Paxton Investigates Major Grocery Chains for Spraying Organic Produce with Pesticides Without Telling Consumers
AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 12 -- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Ken Paxton Investigates Major Grocery Chains for Spraying Organic Produce with Pesticides Without Telling Consumers
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Attorney General Ken Paxton launched a statewide investigation into major grocery chains that spray organic fruits and vegetables with pesticides in-store but fail to disclose this practice to consumers.
The pesticide at issue is Produce Maxx, an EPA-registered antimicrobial pesticide containing high concentrations of hypochlorous acid-a form of chlorine. Thousands
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AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 12 -- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Ken Paxton Investigates Major Grocery Chains for Spraying Organic Produce with Pesticides Without Telling Consumers
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Attorney General Ken Paxton launched a statewide investigation into major grocery chains that spray organic fruits and vegetables with pesticides in-store but fail to disclose this practice to consumers.
The pesticide at issue is Produce Maxx, an EPA-registered antimicrobial pesticide containing high concentrations of hypochlorous acid-a form of chlorine. Thousandsof stores across the United States spray it on produce through misting systems to control bacteria and extend shelf life.
Consumers buying organic produce assume they haven't been treated with pesticides. They don't know that stores are spraying pesticides on the organic produce while it's on the shelf. And they aren't being told that they need to wash their organic produce before eating-even though federal law requires produce sprayed with chlorine to be rinsed with drinking water before consumption to maintain USDA organic certification. Many grocery stores hide their misting equipment and Produce Maxx containers from customer view and provide no signage or warning labels about the pesticide treatment and the need to wash the organic produce.
"Many Texans choose organic produce specifically to avoid harmful pesticides," said Attorney General Paxton. "It's not only wrong for grocers to mislead consumers about chemicals being sprayed on their food-it may very well be illegal. There should be no shortcuts when it comes to food safety, and my office will ensure that Texas consumers are not misled about the state of the produce they purchase."
Attorney General Paxton is demanding that if Texas grocery stores continue using antimicrobial pesticides like Produce Maxx, they must, at minimum, install clear signage informing consumers that their produce has been sprayed with a pesticide and include instructions to rinse before consumption in accordance with federal law and USDA guidelines.
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Original text here: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-ken-paxton-investigates-major-grocery-chains-spraying-organic-produce-pesticides
Attorney General Alan Wilson releases 2025 SC Human Trafficking Task Force Annual Report
COLUMBIA, South Carolina, Jan. 12 (TNSrpt) -- South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson issued the following news:
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Attorney General Alan Wilson releases 2025 SC Human Trafficking Task Force Annual Report
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(COLUMBIA, S.C.) - South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, Chair of the South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force, released the 2025 Annual Report at the State House today. Task Force leadership joined him for the release, along with local, state, and federal law enforcement. The report shares data that details the extent of human trafficking in South Carolina.
In 2025, the
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COLUMBIA, South Carolina, Jan. 12 (TNSrpt) -- South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson issued the following news:
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Attorney General Alan Wilson releases 2025 SC Human Trafficking Task Force Annual Report
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(COLUMBIA, S.C.) - South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, Chair of the South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force, released the 2025 Annual Report at the State House today. Task Force leadership joined him for the release, along with local, state, and federal law enforcement. The report shares data that details the extent of human trafficking in South Carolina.
In 2025, theSouth Carolina Law Enforcement Division investigated 315 tips that included over 300 potential victims. A majority of the tips investigated involved minor victims. SLED's data also showed that human trafficking investigations were in 41 counties, with only five not reporting a case. The counties with the most investigations in 2025 include Greenville (35), Berkeley and Charleston (30 each), Richland (28), Lexington (27), and Dorchester (21).
National Human Trafficking Hotline data was not included this year due to an operator transition. However, statistics were shared from the Department of Social Services and the Department of Juvenile Justice to highlight the multiple points of entry for minor victims of human trafficking to be identified.
"Human trafficking is not a challenge any single agency can solve alone," said Attorney General Wilson. "Through the leadership of the State Task Force and the dedication of our partners, South Carolina remains a model on how to best address this crime."
In 2025, the Task Force launched the South Carolina Safe House Certification Program for service providers who work directly with human trafficking victims and survivors. The Task Force partnered with Safe House Project to certify programs at four organizations, including Doors to Freedom, the Formation Project, Jasmine Road, and Lighthouse for Life. South Carolina is the first state in the nation to implement a statewide certification requirement for specialized human trafficking programs. The programs are listed on the Task Force's online resource directory to help victims, the public, and courts identify specialized human trafficking services.
"The data continues to inform how we shape and implement statewide initiatives from specialized training and certification to public awareness and prevention education," said Monique Garvin, Director of the Task Force.
Joining Attorney General Alan Wilson today were SLED Chief Mark Keel, State Task Force Subcommittee Chairs, regional task force chairs, nonprofit leaders, and other anti-human trafficking advocates.
To access the annual report, please visit the State Task Force website at humantrafficking.scag.gov. To report an incident or seek victim services, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. The Hotline is confidential and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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REPORT: https://www.scag.gov/media/btihjcor/2025annualreport_1-9-26.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.scag.gov/about-the-office/news/attorney-general-alan-wilson-releases-2025-sc-human-trafficking-task-force-annual-report/
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST TRUMP ADMINISTRATION OVER ILLEGAL AND RETALIATORY IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT TACTICS
CHICAGO, Illinois, Jan. 12 -- Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following news release:
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ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST TRUMP ADMINISTRATION OVER ILLEGAL AND RETALIATORY IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT TACTICS
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** Download a broadcast quality video file of Attorney General Raoul's remarks here.**
Chicago - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Trump administration officials over the unlawful and dangerous tactics used by Customs and Border Protection (CPB) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, Jan. 12 -- Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following news release:
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ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST TRUMP ADMINISTRATION OVER ILLEGAL AND RETALIATORY IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT TACTICS
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** Download a broadcast quality video file of Attorney General Raoul's remarks here.**
Chicago - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Trump administration officials over the unlawful and dangerous tactics used by Customs and Border Protection (CPB) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement(ICE) agents in Illinois. Illinois is joined by the city of Chicago in the case.
"Border Patrol agents and ICE officers have acted as occupiers rather than officers of the law," Raoul said. "They randomly, and often violently, question residents. Without warrants or probable cause, they brutally detain citizens and non-citizens alike. They use tear gas and other chemical weapons against bystanders, injuring dozens, including children, the elderly and local police officers. I filed this lawsuit to stand up for the safety of the people of Illinois and the sovereignty of our state."
"We have watched in horror as unchecked federal agents have aggressively assaulted and terrorized our communities and neighborhoods in Illinois, undermining Constitutional rights and threatening public safety," said Governor JB Pritzker. "In the face of the Trump Administration's cruelty and intimidation, Illinois is standing up against the attacks on our people. Today, Illinois is once again taking Donald Trump to court to hold his administration accountable for their unlawful tactics, unnecessary escalations, and flagrant abuses of power."
"The Trump administration has repeatedly violated the law and undermined public trust," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "These actions weren't just unlawful; they were cruel, needlessly inflicting fear and harm on our communities. My administration will forcefully protect our residents' rights and hold anyone accountable who abuses their power. Nobody is above the law. This lawsuit is about ensuring there is accountability for the lawless actions of the Trump administration and justice for the Chicagoans who have been wronged."
Attorney General Raoul filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois - Eastern Division. The complaint describes the various ways the Trump administration has attempted to coerce Illinois over policy differences, including by unlawfully withholding federal funds and attempting to deploy the Illinois and Texas National Guards in the state. In September 2025, DHS deployed quasi-military personnel from CBP and ICE to Illinois, initiating a campaign of violent terror targeted at the state and its residents.
The lawsuit notes that, for decades, federal immigration agents enforced immigration laws in Chicago without significant interruption to public order and safety. Since being deployed to Illinois in September, CPB and ICE agents have killed one Illinois resident, shot another, and conducted a military raid on a Chicago apartment building, detaining all its residents, including children. Agents have arrested hundreds without warrants, randomly questioned hundreds more, and unleashed chemical weapons upon law-abiding, peaceful residents. The lawsuit documents several individual examples of such unlawful tactics being used to terrorize the people of Illinois.
As a result of the fear and chaos created by these tactics, local schools have gone into lockdown, social service organizations have had to reduce their services, and courthouse operations have been increasingly hindered, as Illinoisans have been intimidated from accessing courthouses, medical facilities and schools. Illinoisans and tourists alike fear going about their daily lives. Local businesses and economies have suffered, and declining sales have led to losses in tax revenues.
Raoul assert that the federal government has attacked Illinois' ability to carry out its core sovereign functions -to regulate public health, uphold a system of education for Illinois residents, support the state's economy, provide public safety and administer its judicial system, enforce state statutes, implement state programs, and ensure that Illinois residents receive the full benefits of state and federal law.
Raoul argues that this assault on the state's sovereignty is a violation of the Tenth Amendment and violates the Administrative Procedure Act many times over.
Raoul also argues that DHS adopted illegal enforcement policies that harm Illinois residents, including:
* Rather than utilizing targeted removal policies, using roving patrols of teams of agents to interrogate residents without reasonable suspicion that they are unlawfully present.
* Deploying biometric scanning to capture and store the photographs and fingerprints of residents who are not entering or exiting the United States.
* Arresting people without warrants or probable cause.
* Indiscriminately deploying riot control weapons, including tear gas.
* Conducting enforcement at sensitive locations including courthouses, schools, social service organizations and medical facilities without appropriate reasoning.
* Trespassing onto private property without authority.
* Concealing and switching vehicle license plates in violation of federal and state law.
Raoul is asking the court to order federal agents authorized to enforce immigration law in Illinois to stop using tactics that exceed their statutory authority granted by Congress, including dispersing tear gas and other noxious chemicals without warning against persons who are not resisting, scanning the biometric information of Illinois residents, and entering private property without a warrant or permission of the owner. Raoul is asking the court to require written documentation of the basis for questioning Illinois residents regarding their immigration status and the basis for the conclusion that agents were authorized to make warrantless arrests.
Raoul is also requesting a prohibition on enforcement activities in or near courthouses, schools, hospitals and other sensitive locations, except in extenuating circumstances and with safeguards. In addition, Raoul is asking that the court require that all CBP and ICE vehicles have visible, accurate license plates, and only the plates properly assigned and registered to each vehicle.
If Raoul's request for judgment is granted, he is asking that the court monitor the defendants' compliance.
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Original text here: https://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/news/story/attorney-general-raoul-files-lawsuit-against-trump-administration-over-illegal-and-retaliatory-immigration-enforcement-tactics
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL APPLAUDS RETIRING JUSTICE MARY JANE THEIS' YEARS OF SERVICE ON ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT
CHICAGO, Illinois, Jan. 12 -- Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following news release:
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ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL APPLAUDS RETIRING JUSTICE MARY JANE THEIS' YEARS OF SERVICE ON ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT
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Chicago - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today issued a statement thanking Justice Mary Ann Theis for her years of service. Justice Theis announced she will retire from the Illinois Supreme Court at the end of January.
"Justice Mary Jane Theis' unwavering leadership has been the hallmark of her term as a Supreme Court justice. Justice Theis has increased trust in the judiciary
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, Jan. 12 -- Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following news release:
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ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL APPLAUDS RETIRING JUSTICE MARY JANE THEIS' YEARS OF SERVICE ON ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT
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Chicago - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today issued a statement thanking Justice Mary Ann Theis for her years of service. Justice Theis announced she will retire from the Illinois Supreme Court at the end of January.
"Justice Mary Jane Theis' unwavering leadership has been the hallmark of her term as a Supreme Court justice. Justice Theis has increased trust in the judiciaryin Illinois by enhancing transparency and making oral arguments more accessible to the people of our state. During frequent arguments before the Supreme Court, attorneys from my office have experienced the professionalism with which the court conducts itself under her leadership. I am grateful for Justice Theis' service to the people of Illinois."
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Original text here: https://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/news/story/attorney-general-raoul-applauds-retiring-justice-mary-jane-theis-years-of-service-on-illinois-supreme-court
AG Yost Sues Solar Company for Allegedly Deceiving Ohio Consumers
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 12 -- Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost issued the following news release:
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AG Yost Sues Solar Company for Allegedly Deceiving Ohio Consumers
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(COLUMBUS, Ohio) -Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is suing a Utah-based residential solar panel company, alleging that the company used high-pressure sales tactics and misleading claims that left Ohio consumers with higher utility bills and debt.
"This was a galactic misrepresentation of what the company could and should do," Yost said. "Instead of soaking up the sun, these consumers got burned."
The lawsuit, filed in Franklin
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COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 12 -- Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost issued the following news release:
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AG Yost Sues Solar Company for Allegedly Deceiving Ohio Consumers
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(COLUMBUS, Ohio) -Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is suing a Utah-based residential solar panel company, alleging that the company used high-pressure sales tactics and misleading claims that left Ohio consumers with higher utility bills and debt.
"This was a galactic misrepresentation of what the company could and should do," Yost said. "Instead of soaking up the sun, these consumers got burned."
The lawsuit, filed in FranklinCounty Common Pleas Court, names G3 Solar, which sells and installs residential solar systems in Ohio and several other states. According to the suit, the company claimed that its system would eliminate or significantly reduce electric bills; generate enough energy to offset utility costs; qualify for net metering, a billing arrangement that credits customers for excess electricity sent back to the grid; and generate savings over time.
Consumers reported that these promises did not materialize. Many alleged that the system produced far less electricity than G3 Solar indicated it would, leaving them responsible for both a monthly solar loan payment and their regular electric bill - often resulting in higher overall costs.
Yost's lawsuit also alleges that G3 Solar misrepresented financing terms by connecting consumers with lenders offering 20- to 30-year loans that led to increased payments after 18 months unless the consumer made a so-called "voluntary" payment of about 30 percent. Consumers reported confusion over the true cost of the system.
Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that G3 Solar misled consumers about the availability and use of federal tax credits. Some affected consumers were elderly individuals, with little or no earned income, and may not have been eligible to claim the credits.
Consumers also reported difficulty in obtaining service or warranty support. The lawsuit alleges that G3 Solar failed to honor written warranties, ignored service requests and put off complaints by requiring consumers to wait a full year before it reviewed system performance.
The lawsuit alleges violations of Ohio's Consumer Sales Practices Act and the Home Solicitation Sales Act, including:
* Using high-pressure sales tactics.
* Making false and misleading statements about solar system performance, savings and financing.
* Failing to honor written warranties.
* Failing to respond to service requests.
AG Yost is seeking injunctive relief, consumer restitution and civil penalties.
Consumers who believe they have been wronged by G3 Solar or another business are encouraged to file a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General's Office at OhioProtects.org or by calling 800-282-0515.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Hannah Hundley: 614-906-9113
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Original text here: https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Media/News-Releases/January-2026/AG-Yost-Sues-Solar-Company-for-Allegedly-Deceiving
AG Brown asks court to enforce order protecting personal SNAP data
OLYMPIA, Washington, Jan. 12 -- Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown issued the following news release:
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AG Brown asks court to enforce order protecting personal SNAP data
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Attorney General Nick Brown has asked the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California to enforce its preliminary injunction blocking the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) demand that states turn over personal and sensitive information about millions of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients.
Earlier this year, Brown and a coalition of attorneys general sued USDA
... Show Full Article
OLYMPIA, Washington, Jan. 12 -- Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown issued the following news release:
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AG Brown asks court to enforce order protecting personal SNAP data
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Attorney General Nick Brown has asked the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California to enforce its preliminary injunction blocking the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) demand that states turn over personal and sensitive information about millions of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients.
Earlier this year, Brown and a coalition of attorneys general sued USDAalleging that this demand violates federal law. The court agreed that the demand was likely unlawful because USDA had stated its intent to disclose and use the demanded data for purposes unrelated to the administration of SNAP and granted a preliminary injunction.
Now, the federal agency has again threatened to cut off administrative funding to states that do not turn over this data. In the motion to enforce, the multistate coalition argues that this renewed demand violates the court's existing order and is contrary to law for the same reasons as the original demand.
"The rule of law is on our side," Brown said. "I have confidence the court will enforce its order to safeguard the private information of SNAP recipients in Washington and around the country."
SNAP is a federally funded, state-administered program that provides billions of dollars in food assistance to tens of millions of low-income families across the country. SNAP applicants provide their private information on the understanding, backed by federal law, that their information will not be used for unrelated purposes.
In an attempt to bully states into compliance, the Trump administration has repeatedly threatened to withhold administrative funding for the program if states fail to comply with its unprecedented demand for data -effectively forcing states to choose between protecting their residents' privacy and providing critical nutrition assistance to those in need. Washington state receives roughly $129.5 million a year to administer the program, and any delay in that funding could be catastrophic for the state and its residents who rely on SNAP to put food on the table.
The only difference between USDA's original demand, issued in July, and its renewed demand, issued in November, is that this renewed demand attached a proposed data and security protocol. This protocol is "proposed" in name only -the Trump administration has made clear that it has no intention of negotiating the terms of that protocol with states, stating in its demand letter there "can be no good faith objections" to the protocol, despite the fact that protocol would permit the data sharing and use that the court has already found to be unlawful.
When the multistate coalition raised this and other concerns with the protocol, USDA rejected those concerns out-of-hand and swiftly issued letters threatening to withhold funding. The coalition now urges the court to enforce its preliminary injunction against USDA's renewed demand that states turn over SNAP data or lose federal funding necessary to administer the SNAP program.
Brown has vigorously defended SNAP from attacks by the Trump administration. During the recent government shutdown, he and other attorneys general sued USDA to force them to fund November SNAP benefits. Not one, but two federal district courts determined that the administration acted unlawfully. And when the administration responded by asking the U.S. Supreme Court to pause one court's order requiring USDA to pay full benefits, Brown vigorously challenged that request, which was ultimately withdrawn after the government reopened. The SNAP program is now fully funded through September 2026.
Last month, Washington and other states again sued to challenge USDA's guidance that erroneously excluded certain lawfully residing non-citizens from SNAP eligibility. In response to that lawsuit, USDA backed down and issued correcting guidance. A district court also issued a preliminary injunction blocking the administration from penalizing Washington for any errors resulting from USDA's erroneous guidance unlawfully restricting eligibility for SNAP.
A copy of the motion is available here.
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Washington's Attorney General serves the people and the State of Washington. As the state's largest law firm, the Attorney General's Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington's 39 counties. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.
Media Contact:
Email: press@atg.wa.gov
Phone: (360) 753-2727
General contacts: Click here
Media Resource Guide & Attorney General's Office FAQ
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Original text here: https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-brown-asks-court-enforce-order-protecting-personal-snap-data
