48.03.075 - Legal protection for commissioner, authorized representatives, and examiners -- Good faith -- Attorneys' fees -- Payment by commissioner.

Legal protection for commissioner, authorized representatives, and examiners — Good faith — Attorneys' fees — Payment by commissioner.

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

     (2) No cause of action may arise nor may 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 or examiner pursuant to an examination made under this chapter, if that act of communication or delivery was performed in good faith and without fraudulent intent or the intent to deceive.

     (3) This section does not modify a privilege or immunity previously enjoyed by a person identified in subsection (1) of this section.

     (4) 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 tort arising out of activities in carrying out 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.

     (5) If a claim is made or threatened of the sort 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.

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

[1993 c 462 § 49.]

Notes: Severability -- Implementation -- 1993 c 462: See RCW 48.31B.901 and 48.31B.902.