Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership | This website contains attorney advertising.
March 03, 2026

Fifth Circuit Find’s FCC’s “Prior Express Written Consent” Rule Exceeded Its Statutory Authority

TCPA blog

The Fifth Circuit has rejected the FCC rule that has imposed a heightened “prior express written consent” requirement—a requirement found nowhere in the TCPA’s plain language—for more than a decade.  See Bradford v. Sovereign Pest Control of Texas, Inc., No. 24-20379, 2026 WL 520620, at *3 (5th Cir. Feb. 25, 2026). Citing the Supreme Court’s decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, 603 U.S. 369 (2024), it found that the “prior express written consent” rule is unenforceable because the FCC had exceeded its statutory authority in enacting it.

The material contained in this communication is informational, general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. The material contained in this communication should not be relied upon or used without consulting a lawyer to consider your specific circumstances. This communication was published on the date specified and may not include any changes in the topics, laws, rules or regulations covered. Receipt of this communication does not establish an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this communication may be considered attorney advertising.