Leaders in the Pennsylvania House will deploy an emergency tactic to revive a derailed referendum that would give survivors of childhood sexual abuse a chance to sue the perpetrators, Spotlight PA reports.

State Rep. Mark Rozzi, who is himself a survivor, said Thursday he had received commitments from Republicans who control both chambers to consider an emergency amendment to the constitution.

Senate Republicans, however, signaled caution about using the tactic, saying only that they are committed to “reviewing” what the House sends over.

THE CONTEXT: Pennsylvania’s community of survivors have long pushed for a two-year reprieve in the statute of limitations so they can bring litigation. It gained momentum after the release of a bombshell grand jury report that documented how Catholic dioceses had covered up abuse by priests. 

The legislature was on track to send a question about that change to the voters this May. But that timeline dissolved after the Department of State this week revealed it had failed to advertise the measure as required last year.

As a result, Secretary Kathy Boockvar announced she would resign.

To get the proposal back on track, state lawmakers will now attempt to pass an emergency amendment, which can be done when “the safety or welfare of the commonwealth requires prompt” action. That criteria, however, could leave it vulnerable to litigation. 

IMMORTAL INSPIRATION: Anne Feeney, a legendary Pittsburgh-based folk singer and activist, has died at age 69. Feeney is remembered for activism, such as co-founding Pittsburgh Action Against Rape in 1972, and her music, which she called a "fantastic way of empowering people." 

TO GOOP OR GLOWT: Do you think lifestyle brands that encourage you to buy $800 countertop herb gardens and $345 coffee makers are, to be frank, ridiculous? So do these three Pittsburgh women who created a parody lifestyle brand called Glowt.

SENIOR SAVE: A handful of first responders and kind neighbors helped rescue Omar, a 14-year-old Spanish Water Dog, from an icy pond — a save caught on camera. Despite being in the water for more than 30 minutes, Omar was just fine.

SELFIES IN LOVE: Newlyweds in Philadelphia will soon have a special spot to snap their first photo as a married couple. Mural Arts of Philadelphia will install a "marriage selfie mural" inside the Wedding License Bureau next week, featuring some of the city's more photogenic spots.

ICE ICE, BABY: Harrisburg's annual Ice and Fire festival might be different this year, but those roaming the city in early March will still get a bit of a treat. Between March 5 and 7, the modified "Ice in the Burg" will feature 50 large and small ice sculptures scattered throughout the city.