AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) A new law in Maine requires that cable providers must pro-rate charges when a customer disconnects service.

Democratic Rep. Seth Berry proposed the law change, which he said is designed to “stop the abusive practice of cable companies billing past dates of service.”

He introduced it after hundreds of Spectrum cable customers complained of a change to the company’s billing practices left them on the hook for charges. A Spectrum spokesman called it “a common approach” at the time.

The law takes effect June 16.