2. a. With respect to any contract entered into by a contracting unit pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1979, c.464 (C. 40A:11-16.2) for which the contractor shall agree to the withholding of payments pursuant to P.L.1979, c.152 (C. 40A:11-16.1), 2% of the amount due on each partial payment shall be withheld by the contracting unit pending completion of the contract.

b. Upon acceptance of the work performed pursuant to the contract for which the contractor has agreed to the withholding of payments pursuant to subsection a. of this section, all amounts being withheld by the contracting unit shall be released and paid in full to the contractor within 45 days of the final acceptance date agreed upon by the contractor and the contracting unit, without further withholding of any amounts for any purpose whatsoever, provided that the contract has been completed as indicated. If the contracting unit requires maintenance security after acceptance of the work performed pursuant to the contract, such security shall be obtained in the form of a maintenance bond. The maintenance bond shall be no longer than two years and shall be no more than 100% of the project costs.

L.1979,c.464,s.2; amended 1991, c.434, s.2; 1999, c.440, s.26.