The director of the department of labor and training, the administrator of the division of occupational safety, the chief boiler and pressure vessel inspector and his or her authorized inspectors charged with the enforcement of this chapter, while acting for the state, shall not thereby render himself or herself liable personally, and he or she is relieved from all personal liability for any act required or permitted in the discharge of his or her official duties. Any suit instituted against any officer or employee because of an act performed by him or her in the lawful discharge of his or her duties and under the provisions of this chapter shall be defended by the legal representative of the state of Rhode Island in the case of the director or his or her agents or representatives, until the final determination of the proceedings. In the case of an authorized insurance inspector, he or she shall be defended by the legal representative selected by his or her employer, until the final determination of the proceedings. In no case shall the director or any of his or her subordinates be liable for costs or damages in any action, suit, or proceeding that may be instituted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. The director or his or her agents acting in good faith and without malice and within the scope of their employment shall be free from liability for acts performed under any provisions or by reason of any act or omission in the performance of his or her official duties in connection with his or her employment.