The attorneys general of Washington and Oregon joined a coalition of 23 states on Monday to file a lawsuit challenging a new federal policy that would grant the government access to the private records of millions of people receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

The lawsuit, filed against the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, seeks to block a June 2026 notice that claims federal authority to oversee state-run TANF programs. According to reporting by KOIN, the policy would allow federal officials to access and share sensitive information with other agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and private organizations. The data at risk includes:

  • Social Security numbers
  • Home addresses
  • Immigration status
  • Other sensitive personal identifiers

The legal challenge has significant implications for low-income households across Washington and Oregon, where TANF serves as a primary support system for basic needs. In 2025, nearly 36,000 Washington households received benefits through the program, which the state describes as a cornerstone of its poverty reduction efforts. Washington receives more than $300 million in federal TANF funding annually, while Oregon receives approximately $165 million to support about 100,000 residents per month.

Attorneys General Nick Brown of Washington and Dan Rayfield of Oregon argue the policy is an illegal attempt to intimidate vulnerable families. The coalition claims the 1996 law that created TANF gives states, not the federal government, the sole responsibility for verifying applicant eligibility. The lawsuit alleges the new requirements violate the Administrative Procedure Act and the Spending Clause of the U.S. Constitution by imposing new conditions on federal funding that Congress did not authorize.

State officials expressed concern that the policy will discourage eligible families from seeking help. TANF funds are used by states to provide a variety of local services, including:

  • Childcare subsidies
  • Emergency housing for families fleeing domestic violence
  • Emergency food assistance
  • Support for grandparents caring for children

This legal action follows a series of challenges by Washington against federal executive mandates. As previously reported on August 4, 2026, Washington joined a similar coalition to block an overhaul of mail-in voting procedures. Additionally, on July 31, 2026, a federal judge denied a request by Washington and 24 other states to pause new Medicaid work requirements scheduled for next year.

In the current suit, the states are asking the court to declare the ACF policy illegal and prevent it from taking effect. Representatives for the ACF told KOIN they do not comment on pending litigation.

Source: Oregon, Washington challenge Trump admin’s data-sharing policy for TANF recipients