A. The validity or applicability of a rule may be determined in an action for declaratory judgment in the district court of the county of the residence of the person seeking relief or, at the option of such person, in the county wherein the rule is sought to be applied, if it is alleged the rule, or its threatened application, interferes with or impairs, or threatens to interfere with or impair, the legal rights or privileges of the plaintiff.

B. The agency shall be made a party to the action.

C. Rules promulgated pursuant to the provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act are presumed to be valid until declared otherwise by a district court of this state or the Supreme Court. When a rule is appealed pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act it shall be the duty of the promulgating agency to show and bear the burden of proof to show:

1. that the agency possessed the authority to promulgate the rule;

2. that the rule is consistent with any statute authorizing or controlling its issuance and does not exceed statutory authority;

3. that the rule is not violative of any other applicable statute or the Constitution; and

4. that the laws and administrative rules relating to the adoption, review and promulgation of such rules were faithfully followed.

The provisions of this subsection shall not be construed to impair the power and duty of the Attorney General to review such rules and regulations and issue advisory opinions thereon.

D. A declaratory judgment may be rendered whether or not the plaintiff has requested the agency to pass upon the validity or applicability of the rule in question.

Laws 1963, c. 371, § 6; Laws 1977, c. 114, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 1977; Laws 1987, c. 207, § 17.