Sec. 9. (a) If a subcontractor or a supplier files a claim with the division under section 10 of this chapter, and the claim is undisputed, the division shall:

(1) pay the claimant from the amounts retained from the contractor under section 2 of this chapter;

(2) take a receipt for each payment; and

(3) deduct the total amount paid to subcontractors and suppliers from the balance due the contractor.

     (b) If there is not a sufficient amount owing to the contractor to pay all subcontractors and suppliers making undisputed claims under section 10 of this chapter, then the division shall prorate the amount withheld from the contractor and shall pay the prorated amount to each subcontractor and supplier entitled to a portion of the amount.

     (c) If there is a dispute among the contractor, the subcontractors, and the suppliers to the funds withheld by the division, the division shall retain sufficient funds until the dispute is settled and the correct amount to be paid to each person is determined. When the dispute is resolved, the division shall make payments to persons making claims as provided in this section.

As added by P.L.24-1985, SEC.7.