On May 21, 2026, the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral argument in Steidinger v. Blackstone Medical Group, No. 25-2398 (7th Cir.), a case involving the issue of ​whether the Telephone Consumer Protection Act ("TCPA") applies to text messages.

The underlying case, involved a claim by Plaintiff that the Defendant violated the TCPA by sending him more than one text message in ‌a 12 month period when his number was listed on the Do Not Call ("DNC") list. Section 227(c)(5) of the TCPA creates a private right of action for "A person who has received more than one telephone call within any 12 month period by or on behalf of the same entity in violation of the regulations prescribed under [Section 227(c)(5)]."

Click here to read the full article written by Bart Murphy published in Reuters Legal News and republished in Westlaw Today.