AUGUSTA — A bill to allow amputees in Maine to carry switchblades is nearing final legislative approval.

The measure, requested by an amputee in western Maine who rides horses, received final House approval today and faces a final Senate vote before being sent to the governor. The bill limits the blades to 3 inches in length.

Paul Dumas Jr. requested the bill. Dumas says that with only one arm, he can’t react quickly enough in emergencies when he needs to cut a piece of rope. Dumas, a lawyer, says he’s tired of opening knives with his teeth and the bill would remedy that.