Summary
The request seeks records related to internal deliberations or directives concerning delayed or withheld SNAP data submissions, communications with the Governor’s Office or federal officials, guidance from USDA or HHS, and documents citing statutory, procedural, or political rationale for modifying or suspending reporting
It also seeks impact assessments or internal analyses regarding the effects of data non-submission on eligibility verification, funding, or public transparency, as well as policy materials referencing “data audits,” “data integrity reviews,” or “cleanup campaigns” since October 2023
This request is limited to administrative and policy records and expressly excludes personally identifiable recipient data
Procedural History & Updates
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November 6, 2025 – California Public Records Act request received by California Department of Social Services (CDSS) (Reference No. R011032-110725).
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May 6, 2025 – USDA issued initial letter to State agencies referencing Executive Order 14243 and requesting SNAP participant data from January 1, 2020 to present.
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July 9, 2025 – USDA announced creation of the National SNAP Information Database (USDA/FNS-15) and required state data submissions.
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July 23, 2025 – USDA issued data transmission directive detailing required data elements and establishing July 30, 2025 submission deadline.
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July 25, 2025 – USDA issued compliance reminder letter stating failure to transmit data by July 30, 2025 may trigger noncompliance procedures.
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July 29, 2025 – CDSS formally responded, stating it would not transmit the requested data and referencing pending multi-state litigation challenging the database.
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August 12, 2025 – USDA issued advance notice to the Governor asserting California was out of compliance and warning of potential suspension or disallowance of SNAP administrative funding.
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August 15, 2025 – Extended federal deadline for submission of SNAP participant data.
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August 20, 2025 – USDA issued formal warning letter stating that failure to comply may result in disallowance of up to $338,326,748.10 per quarter in federal SNAP administrative funding.
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August 19, 2025 – CDSS responded disputing USDA’s deadline and reiterating litigation-based objections.
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September 18, 2025 – U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued order in California v. USDA, temporarily enjoining USDA from acting on the August 20, 2025 formal warning letter, including disallowance of SNAP funding.
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September 19, 2025 – CDSS notified USDA that enforcement actions and compliance deadlines are stayed pending further court action.
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February 9, 2026 – CDSS issued partial production of responsive records and stated additional supplemental productions are anticipated.