Analysis - Arming Florida school staff could expose them to suits: experts

Protestors rally outside the Capitol urging Florida lawmakers to reform gun laws, in the wake of last week's mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, in Tallahassee, Florida, U.S., February 21, 2018. REUTERS/Colin Hackley

(Reuters) - A bill passed by Florida lawmakers empowering some personnel in public schools to carry firearms to guard against attacks like last month's massacre near Miami could expose these employees to potentially costly civil lawsuits, legal experts said.

Public employees are generally immune to civil suits, but those authorized to carry a concealed weapon under the Florida measure potentially could be held liable in circumstances such as an accidental shooting or if a gun is lost or stolen and later used in a crime, the experts said.