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Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach filed a lawsuit Monday, September 8, against Gov. Laura Kelly, seeking to force the release of personal information for all SNAP participants, including names, Social Security numbers, birthdates, and addresses.

Kobach filed the case in Shawnee County District Court, saying the state must comply with federal demands before a Sept. 19 deadline, and failure to do so could risk $10.4 million in federal aid. SNAP supports about 188,000 Kansans and relies on $400 million in federal funding each year.

Gov. Kelly has resisted, citing concerns about privacy and federal overreach. Her administration has argued the information could end up in broader databases not meant to have access to it. The state has also supported multistate lawsuits challenging the federal government’s demands.

Kobach said the governor’s refusal puts benefits at risk and asked the court to fast-track the case.

The dispute comes as federal officials press Kansas to explain why roughly 10% of SNAP recipients may not meet eligibility requirements.