Following TCPA Guidelines when using SMS
Subsplash offers churches the ability to use SMS (text) to communicate with people at their church. The burden of compliance with federal TCPA guidelines falls to the church to implement. To comply with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) for SMS text messages, churches should follow these best practices:
Send texts during normal hours
The TCPA prohibits sending text messages before 8 AM or after 9 PM in the recipient's time zone. Some states have stricter rules, such as Florida, Oklahoma, and Washington, which only allow texts between 8 AM and 8 PM.
Include your business name
Include your business name in every text message to make it clear who is sending the message.
Get express written consent
Obtain prior express written consent (PEWC) from recipients. If you have consent, you may choose to set up SMS communication on the person's profile, under notifications.
Provide opt-out instructions
Make it clear how recipients can opt out of receiving messages. If a recipient responds STOP to any SMS message sent through Subsplash, then the number is blocked for future communication and the recipient will no longer receive SMS from the church.
Document communications
Keep detailed records of all communications.
Stay updated on state laws
Be aware of state-specific laws and restrictions.
Audit and monitor
Regularly audit and monitor your messaging practices.