The commissioners and employees of the Fire Safety Code board of appeal and review shall not render themselves liable personally, and they are hereby relieved from all personal liability for any damage that may accrue to persons or property as a result of any act required or permitted in the discharge of their official duties. Any suit instituted against any commissioner or employee of the Fire Safety Code board of appeal and review because of an act performed by him or her in the lawful discharge of his or her duties, and under the provisions of the Fire Safety Code, shall be defended by the legal representative of the state until the final termination of the proceedings. In no case shall the commissioners or employees be liable for costs in any action, suit, or proceedings that may be instituted in pursuance of the provisions of the Fire Safety Code, and any commissioner or employee, acting in good faith and without malice, shall be free from liability for acts performed under any of its provisions or by reason of any act or omission in the performance of his or her official duties in connection therewith.