Attorney General Jeff Jackson Secures Legal Victory Against USDA on SNAP Eligibility Rules
Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced a legal victory against the USDA regarding changes to SNAP eligibility requirements and the timeline for states to implement them. A judge ruled in favor of the states, stating the USDA imposed an impossible timeline.
Greenville New Bern Washington, NC, September 22, 2026 —
Attorney General Jeff Jackson has announced a significant legal victory concerning changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility requirements and the implementation timelines set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
A federal judge ruled in favor of the states, finding that the USDA had imposed an “impossible timeline” for states to adapt to new SNAP eligibility rules. The specifics of the proposed changes to SNAP eligibility requirements were not detailed in the announcement, nor was the exact date of the ruling or the specific federal court where the decision was made.
The legal challenge centered on the timeline mandated by the USDA for states to implement these new eligibility criteria. States, represented in this legal action, argued that the timeframe provided by the federal agency was unworkable, hindering their ability to comply with the federal mandate effectively.
Attorney General Jeff Jackson’s office pursued the legal action, resulting in the judge’s decision that supported the states’ position. The ruling indicates a setback for the USDA’s approach to modifying SNAP regulations, particularly concerning the operational capacity of state agencies responsible for administering the program.
Details regarding any potential appeals by the USDA, the precise nature of the “impossible timeline,” or the specific operational challenges faced by states were not provided. The announcement did not include information about the contractor involved in any system changes, permit status, inspection outcomes, code violations, or specific fine amounts that may have been associated with prior non-compliance, as the core of the dispute was the feasibility of the imposed timeline.
The outcome of this ruling could have implications for how federal agencies implement policy changes that require significant state-level adaptation and compliance. Further details on the scope of the ruling and its impact on future SNAP administration are expected.
Story summarized from the original created by WITN Web Team on www.witn.com, see more information here.
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