(1) No cause of action shall arise, nor shall any liability be imposed against the commissioner, the commissioner's authorized representatives, market conduct oversight personnel, or an examiner appointed by the commissioner for any statements made, or conduct performed in good faith while carrying out the provisions of this chapter.

     (2) No cause of action shall arise, nor shall any liability be imposed against any person for the act of communicating or delivering information or data to the commissioner or the commissioner's authorized representative, market conduct oversight personnel, or examiner, under an examination made under this chapter, if the act of communication or delivery was performed in good faith and without fraudulent intent or the intent to deceive.

     (3) A person identified in subsection (1) of this section is entitled to an award of attorneys' fees and costs if he or she is the prevailing party in a civil cause of action for libel, slander, or any other relevant tort arising out of activities in carrying out the provisions of this chapter, and the party bringing the action was not substantially justified in doing so. For purposes of this section, a proceeding is "substantially justified" if it had a reasonable basis in law or fact at the time that it was initiated.

     (4) If a claim is made or threatened as described in subsection (1) of this section, the commissioner shall provide or pay for the defense of himself or herself, the examiner or representative, and shall pay a judgment or settlement, until it is determined that the person did not act in good faith or did act with fraudulent intent or the intent to deceive.

     (5) The immunity, indemnification, and other protections under this section are in addition to those now or hereafter existing under other law.

     (6) This section does not abrogate or modify in any way any common law or statutory privilege or immunity, now or hereafter existing under this section or other law, enjoyed by any person identified in subsection (1) of this section.

[2007 c 82 § 12.]