Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt says the state has joined 13 other states in a lawsuit involving restrictions on concealed-carry permits.

Schmidt said Thursday that he added Kansas to a friend-of-the-court brief filed in an appeals court case being heard in Virginia. The court is reviewing a Maryland district court ruling that struck down a requirement that residents must give a reason for needing a concealed-carry permit.

Schmidt says the government does not have the right to ask citizens why they want a permit to carry a concealed weapon.

Kansas is one of 39 states with a concealed-carry law that doesn’t require a reason for needing the license.

The Wichita Eagle reports 10 states, including Maryland, have more restricted concealed-carry laws.

An animal rights group is citing a federal judge’s order as it makes plans to show a controversial video inside a tent at the Kansas State Fair.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said Thursday it will also give away free copies of its video “Glass Walls” at the fair opening Friday. The video contains footage taken undercover of animals being slaughtered and abused at factory farms.

PETA went to court after fair officials said the group would have to shield people passing its booth from being exposed to photos and video of animal abuse.

The judge ruled officials acted reasonably in imposing restrictions that would still allow fairgoers to see the video if they desire.

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback’s administration is blaming his predecessor for what the U.S. Justice Department is calling rampant sexual misconduct and abuse at the state’s women’s prison.

Brownback spokeswoman Sherriene Jones-Sontag said Thursday night that his administration has made immense strides in improving the treatment of inmates at the Topeka Correctional Facility.

She says the administration is confident that once federal officials have a more complete picture of the prison’s operations since the Justice Department began its investigation in 2011, they’ll conclude that inmates’ rights are not being violated.

Jones-Sontag says the problems arose and festered under Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, who left office in April 2009.

But the Justice Department says the state failed to adequately deal with the problems even after a report by a national group in 2010.

Two people who were injured when a fleeing car struck their vehicle are suing a Capitol Police officer and the state of Kansas.

Scott E. Bennett, of Topeka, and Shelby Montgomery, of Berryton, have filed separate lawsuits against the state and Capitol Police Patrick R. Saleh. Both are seeking more than $75,000 in damages.

Topeka police says Robert R. Horton was driving a stolen car while fleeing police when he hit a truck carrying Bennett and Montgomery in August 2010.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports Bennett and Montgomery were both hospitalized. Horton was sentenced to Norton Correctional Facility for two counts of reckless aggravated battery.

The Capitol Police is part of the Kansas Highway Patrol. A spokesman said patrol is working the attorney general’s office to respond to the lawsuits.