Topeka ? Attorney General Derek Schmidt today requested permission to join a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the federal health care law.

Schmidt, a Republican who was sworn into office Monday, has requested that the Florida attorney general’s office file a motion in federal court to allow Kansas to join more than 20 other states in the lawsuit.

“This lawsuit is standing up for the rule of law and protecting the liberties guaranteed by our Constitution,” Schmidt said.

“Our federal government is designed to be a government of limited enumerated powers, and we do not believe it has the power to order citizens into commerce so it can regulate their conduct under the Commerce Clause,” he said.

The lawsuit challenges the new health reform law’s requirement that people have health insurance. It was filed in federal court in Florida.

Supporters of the law say the insurance requirement is legal and necessary to ensure coverage and lower health care costs.