Expand Certain APA Standing Provisions.

SB 380 amends North Carolina's administrative procedure law to make it easier for trade and business associations to challenge agency rules on behalf of their members. The bill creates a presumption that these groups have legal standing to seek declaratory rulings (court interpretations of agency rules) unless the agency provides specific written reasons to the contrary. It also requires agencies to respond to such requests within 45 days, or the request is treated as denied for judicial review. The law applies to declarations requested on or after July 1, 2025, and directly affects business groups seeking to contest agency actions.