The suit originated with two Democratic attorneys general, Letitia James in New York and Rob Bonta in California. It has since attracted a coalition of supporting states.
The legal challenge seeks to block a data request that would mandate states turn over private information about millions of low-income Americans on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly called SNAP.
The request is coming from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which is not commenting on the pending litigation.
State leaders, including Kentucky Gov, Andy Beshear, are expressing concern about the legality of the move and SNAP recipients' privacy.
California AG Bonta said the administration continues to "weaponize private and sensitive personal information, not to root out fraud, but to create a culture of fear."