The U.S. Department of Justice has filed an amicus brief supporting Florida plaintiffs who are challenging voting restrictions contained in a new state law as violations of the federal Voting Rights Act.

The League of Women Voters (LWV) of Florida and other groups challenged the legality of Senate Bill 90 in federal courts, arguing that the law’s ban on assisting voters lined up at precincts by handing out water, snacks or fans and its restrictions on the use of ballot drop boxes amounted to intentional discrimination against minority voters.

A federal district judge, Mark Walker, agreed with plaintiffs on several of their arguments and enjoined several provisions of SB 90. But the case is now on appeal before the 11th Circuit.