AUGUSTA (AP) — The group representing Maine cities and towns will ask a judge to decide whether Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s directive banning general assistance benefits for some immigrants can be legally enforced.

The Maine Municipal Association said Monday that it will ask the Superior Court to decide whether LePage should have gone through the state’s rule-making process to implement the change. That requires public hearings and sometimes legislative approval.

Maine Attorney General Janet Mills contends LePage doesn’t have the authority to ban cities and towns from providing benefits to immigrants who aren’t in the country legally. The administration says it’s following federal law.

The group is also asking an outside law firm to clarify what state and federal law say regarding providing welfare benefits to that segment of the population.