SPRINGFIELD – He was forced to wear a very large red jacket and endure a number of foolish questions from his House colleagues, but freshman state Rep. Jason Barickman, R-Champaign, passed his first bill on Thursday.

By 107-0.

The legislation (HB 1877), which was requested by the University of Illinois, would allow post-graduate veterinary medicine students at the UI veterinary teaching hospital to prescribe medicine to animals. A provision in state law says the hospital is exempt from licensing by the Department of Professional Regulation; thus its post-graduate vets cannot administer medication.

Because it was his first bill to face a full House vote, Barickman was peppered with questions from his colleagues, including whether the bill would increase the number of Illinois dogs on drugs, whether it would lead to more euthanasia and if it would overturn a once-controversial ban on the slaughter of horses.

His friend, state Rep. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, asked whether the legislation would permit medical marijuana for dogs.

Barickman took all the ribbing – including donning a huge red jacket that has become traditional attire for lawmakers introducing their first bill – in stride.

State Rep. Dan Reitz, D-Steeleville, delivered a zinger, noting that Barickman had voted yes on several bills Thursday, adding, "We'd like to congratulate you. You've already cast more yes votes than your predecessor cast in the prior two terms."

Barickman's predecessor, state Sen. Shane Cultra, R-Onarga, was known by some as "Dr. No" for his frequent votes against spending bills. Barickman was appointed to Cultra's seat in January when Cultra moved up to the Senate.

At one point during the vote on Barickman's bill, the electronic tote board in the House indicated that there were 45 yes votes and 52 no votes on the legislation. Within seconds, however, all of the no votes switched to yes.