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The 1776 ConstitutionThe laws of the land, set down plainly — and put to the people, one provision at a time.

The Pennsylvania Register

Every law Pennsylvania has passed

55,382 acts of the General Assembly, from William Penn’s first assembly in 1682 to 2026. Until 1874 much of the Assembly’s work was “special” legislation for a single person, company or town: a divorce, a road, a tavern license. That year’s constitution barred local and special laws on most subjects, and the yearly count fell; lately it is about 150.

Not yet complete · The state has not yet digitized its session laws act by act for most years between 1851 and 1949. We filled what we could from scans of the printed volumes: every year from 1851 to 1875 and most sessions from 1877 to 1907. A computer read those titles, so they can contain misspellings, and a few acts in each year were missed. Most years from 1909 to 1949 are still thin (marked below). Every other year is complete, from 1682 through 1850 and from 1950 to today.

Clear

5,371 laws of the 1850s

Constitution of 1838

  1. Appointing a place to toM the Elections in Moon township, Allegheny county.

    Act 48 of 1855 · P.L. 45 · 1855 · Scanned page

  2. To incorporate the Farmers' High Sobool of Penngylvania.

    Act of 1855 · P.L. 46 · February 22, 1855 · Scanned page

  3. To incorporate the Newtown Square and Street Road Plank Road Company,

    Act 51 of 1855 · P.L. 49 · February 23, 1855 · Scanned page

  4. Declaring a certain Bridge heretofore erected over the West Branch of the OotoTara creek, in Lancaster county, to be a County Bridge.

    Act 52 of 1855 · P.L. 50 · February 23, 1855 · Scanned page

  5. To authorize the Dissolution of the Corporation, entitled " The Pennsylvania Steam Ship Company."

    Act 53 of 1855 · P.L. 50 · February 26, 1855 · Scanned page

  6. Co prevent the Sale of Intoxicating Liquors on the First Daj of tho Week, oommonly called Sunday.

    Act 55 of 1855 · P.L. 53 · February 26, 1855 · Scanned page

  7. To confirm certain Proceedings and Sheriff's Sale, in case of Logan against Smith.

    Act 56 of 1855 · P.L. 54 · February 27, 1855 · Scanned page

  8. Relative to the Anderson Library, of the city of Allegheny.

    Act 57 of 1855 · P.L. 55 · February 27, 1855 · Scanned page

  9. For the Protection of Fruit in Warren, Venango, Mercer, Crawford and other counties.

    Act 58 of 1855 · P.L. 55 · February 27, 1855 · Scanned page

  10. To incorporate the Hcroford Turnpike Road Company.

    Act 59 of 1855 · P.L. 56 · February 27, 1855 · Scanned page

  11. Appointing Commissionera and authorizing thorn to lay out a certain Road in.'•*•* Cumberland and York counties.

    Act 60 of 1855 · P.L. 57 · February 27, 1855 · Scanned page

  12. To authorize George M. Lauman to form a Connection between the Sugquehanna River and the Eastern Division of the Pennsylvania Canal, above Portsmouth.

    Act 61 of 1855 · P.L. 59 · February 27, 1855 · Scanned page

  13. For the Relief of Sarah Miller.

    Act 62 of 1855 · P.L. 60 · March 2, 1855 · Scanned page

  14. Eelatire to Elections in the borough of Lebanon, in tbo county of Lebanon.

    Act 63 of 1855 · P.L. 61 · March 2, 1855 · Scanned page

  15. To change the time of holding the Courts for the county of Mercer.

    Act 64 of 1855 · P.L. 61 · March 2, 1855 · Scanned page

  16. Relative to certain Contingent Expenses of the Legislature.

    Act 66 of 1855 · P.L. 62 · March 2, 1855 · Scanned page

  17. Fuppletuental to an act, entitled " An Act to incorporate the Cleveland and Pittsburg Railroad Company."

    Act 67 of 1855 · P.L. 63 · March 2, 1855 · Scanned page

  18. Relative to the Coroner of Armstrong county.

    Act 68 of 1855 · P.L. 64 · March 8, 1855 · Scanned page

  19. To authome Ridgway township, in Elk county, ic purchase a Briage over the Clarion river, and to levj' an additional Tax to pay for the same.<.t ipervisorp rnfty

    Act 70 of 1855 · P.L. 65 · March 8, 1855 · Scanned page

  20. To incorporate the Trustees of the Wagner Free Institute of Science. Preamble Corj)orators. Style. Object. Seal.

    Act 71 of 1855 · P.L. 66 · March 9, 1855 · Scanned page

  21. Co an a^it entitled " An Act for the relief of James and William Patten, and Wil- : ham Vharton, of Turbett township, Juniata county; incorporating the Buildin" Asso.-.ation Fire Insurance Company, of Philadelphia," et cetera, approved the ^ ! ^rst uay ot May, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two.

    Act 72 of 1855 · P.L. 67 · March 9, 1855 · Scanned page

  22. Extending the jurisdiction of the ^ourtsof this CommoBwoalth, in casci of Diyorce.

    Act 73 of 1855 · P.L. 68 · March 9, 1855 · Scanned page

  23. Relating to the Election of Constables in the borough of Grettysburg, in the eoucttj of Adans.

    Act 74 of 1855 · P.L. 69 · March 9, 1855 · Scanned page

  24. Relative to the several Courts of Jefferson county.

    Act 75 of 1855 · P.L. 69 · March 9, 1855 · Scanned page

  25. Supplement to the act laying a Tax on Dogs in certain townships io the county of Chester.

    Act 76 of 1855 · P.L. 70 · March 9, 1855 · Scanned page

  26. Extending to East Earl township, Lancaster county, the provisions of the thirtcontb section of an act relative to tlie Elections of Assessors and Constables in Salisbury and Caernarvon townships, in said county, approved April tenth, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-one.,

    Act 77 of 1855 · P.L. 70 · March 10, 1855 · Scanned page

  27. Appropriating eighty thousand dollars for the continuation of the new work on the Allegheny Portage Railroad.

    Act 78 of 1855 · P.L. 71 · March 12, 1855 · Scanned page

  28. To Sx the place of holding Elections in Penn township, TTestmoreland connty, and ii>the borough of Clarksville, in Mercer county.

    Act 79 of 1855 · P.L. 72 · March 12, 1855 · Scanned page

  29. Supplement to an act, entitled " An Act to incorporate the Broad Mountain Improvement and Railroad Company," approved the eighteenth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-three, and the several supplements thereto.

    Act 80 of 1855 · P.L. 72 · March 13, 1855 · Scanned page

  30. an act t* define and punish the offence of Bribery, passed the third of March, one thousand eight hundred and forty-seven.

    Act 81 of 1855 · P.L. 73 · March 13, 1855 · Scanned page

  31. To tho several acts relative to the Union Canal Company of Pennsylvania.

    Act 82 of 1855 · P.L. 74 · March 13, 1855 · Scanned page

  32. Relative to the Directors of the Poor of Chester county.

    Act 83 of 1855 · P.L. 75 · March 14, 1855 · Scanned page

  33. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act authorizing the Commissioners of Franklin county to borrow money for certain purposes," approved April seventh, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-four.

    Act 84 of 1855 · P.L. 75 · March 14, 1855 · Scanned page

  34. Supplement to the act authorizing a State Road from Gettysburg. Adams county, to th» Buck tavern, in Lancaster

    Act 85 of 1855 · P.L. 76 · March 14, 1855 · Scanned page

  35. Relative to the Collection of the School Tax in Young township, Jefferson county, for the jear one thousand eight hundred and fifty.

    Act 86 of 1855 · P.L. 77 · March 14, 1855 · Scanned page

  36. Relating to Taxes in the county of Erie.

    Act 87 of 1855 · P.L. 77 · March 14, 1855 · Scanned page

  37. Relative to Overseers of the Poor in the county of Allegheny.

    Act 88 of 1855 · P.L. 78 · March 15, 1855 · Scanned page

  38. To authorire the erection of Slcmim township, Luzerne county, into a separate Election District.

    Act 89 of 1855 · P.L. 79 · March 15, 1855 · Scanned page

  39. Supplement to the act incorporating the Donaldson Improvement and Railroad Company, formerly the Ivtgle Iron Company, approved on the fifth day of May, Auuo Domini one thousand eight hundred and forty-one.

    Act 90 of 1855 · P.L. 80 · March 15, 1855 · Scanned page

  40. To legitimate Amelia M. Tomlinson,

    Act 92 of 1855 · P.L. 82 · March 15, 1855 · Scanned page

  41. Supplement to an act. entitled "An Act extending the Charter of the Honesdale Bank, approved the fifth day of April, Auno Domini one thousand eight hundred and forty-nine.''

    Act 94 of 1855 · P.L. 84 · 1855 · Scanned page

  42. To incorporate the EschaBge Mutual Insurance Company.

    Act 97 of 1855 · P.L. 86 · March 16, 1855 · Scanned page

  43. Supplementary to the Health Laws of the citj' and port of Philadelphia.

    Act 98 of 1855 · P.L. 89 · March 16, 1855 · Scanned page

  44. Relative to the Collection of Taxes in the city of Lancaster.

    Act 99 of 1855 · P.L. 92 · 1855 · Scanned page

  45. To enable John H. and Rebecca Bugherto adopt a Child as their la«ful heir, by the name of Emily Bugher.

    Act 100 of 1855 · P.L. 92 · March 16, 1855 · Scanned page

  46. Relative to the Courts of Wayne county.

    Act 101 of 1855 · P.L. 93 · March 16, 1855 · Scanned page

  47. To amend an act to incorporate the Oakland Cemetery, passed April fourteenth, one thousand eight hundred and fifty one.

    Act 102 of 1855 · P.L. 94 · March 16, 1855 · Scanned page

  48. To change the time of holding the several Courts in the Fourth Judicial District. Sei^tion 1.

    Act 103 of 1855 · P.L. 94 · March 16, 1855 · Scanned page

  49. To incorporate the Qalitzin Plank Road Company. Corporators. Etyl R.eU Capital stock Proviso.

    Act 105 of 1855 · P.L. 96 · March 16, 1855 · Scanned page

  50. To incorporate the Associated Butchers and Drovers of Philadelphia.

    Act 106 of 1855 · P.L. 97 · March 17, 1855 · Scanned page

  51. Supplement to an act in relation to Elections and certain Election Districts, approved tho eleventh day of March, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two.

    Act 107 of 1855 · P.L. 99 · March 17, 1855 · Scanned page

  52. incorporate the Mill Creek and Dallastown Plank Road, in York county.

    Act 108 of 1855 · P.L. 99 · March 19, 1855 · Scanned page

  53. For the relief of Jane Glasgow, a widow of a soldier of the Revolutionaiy war.

    Act 109 of 1855 · P.L. 101 · March 19, 1855 · Scanned page

  54. To incorporate the Marble Hall and Spring Mill Turnpike Road Company.

    Act 110 of 1855 · P.L. 102 · March 19, 1855 · Scanned page

  55. Supplement to an act to open a certain Street in tha borough of Columbia.

    Act 111 of 1855 · P.L. 103 · March 19, 1855 · Scanned page

  56. Supplementary to an act, entitled " An Act to incorporate the Darlington Cannol Coal llailroad Company," passed third day of March, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two.

    Act 112 of 1855 · P.L. 103 · March 19, 1855 · Scanned page

  57. Supplement to the act incorporating the Pittsburg and ConnellsTille Railroad Company.

    Act 113 of 1855 · P.L. 104 · March 21, 1855 · Scanned page

  58. Supplementary to an act to incorporate the borough of Reading, Berks county, into a city, passed the sixteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and forty-seven.

    Act 114 of 1855 · P.L. 105 · March 21, 1855 · Scanned page

  59. Co relieve the ]iroperty of the Northern Association, in the city of Philadelphia, fur the relief and employment of poor women, from Taxation.

    Act 115 of 1855 · P.L. 107 · March 21, 1855 · Scanned page

  60. To incorporate the Cambridge and Marvin's Mills Plank Road Company.

    Act 116 of 1855 · P.L. 108 · 1855 · Scanned page

  61. Confirming and reestablishing the act of one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two, authorizing^ J. C. Plumer to erect a Lock in his dam, on the Youghiogheny river.

    Act 117 of 1855 · P.L. 109 · March 22, 1855 · Scanned page

  62. To appoint Commissioners to run and mark the Boundary Lines between Lebanon and Berks, and Lebanon and Schuylkill counties.

    Act of 1855 · P.L. 111 · March 22, 1855 · Scanned page

  63. To authorize the removal of certain Convicts from the Eastern Penitentiary to the Schuylkill County Prison.

    Act 119 of 1855 · P.L. 111 · March 22, 1855 · Scanned page

  64. To aD act, entitled '• An Act to incorporate the Mount Eagle and Tremont Railroad Company.

    Act of 1855 · P.L. 113 · March 22, 1855 · Scanned page

  65. To repeal the act establishing a Public Ferry in the Susquehanna river, at Centreville, in Columbia county, approved the eighth of Aprif, one thousand eight, hundred and fiftytwo.

    Act 122 of 1855 · P.L. 114 · March 22, 1855 · Scanned page

  66. Supplement to the act, entitled " An Act to incorporate the Allegheny Railroad and CosI Company.

    Act 123 of 1855 · P.L. 114 · March 22, 1855 · Scanned page

  67. To annul the Marriage Contract between Helen M. Gallagher and Charles B. I Gallagher, her husband.

    Act 124 of 1855 · P.L. 115 · 1855 · Scanned page

  68. Relating to the Estate of John M. Melizet, deceased.

    Act 125 of 1855 · P.L. 116 · March 23, 1855 · Scanned page

  69. Supplement to the act incorporating the Cash Mutual Fire Inaurance Company of Pennsylvania.

    Act 126 of 1855 · P.L. 116 · 1855 · Scanned page

  70. For the relief of Mary Merryman, widow of an old soldier.

    Act 127 of 1855 · P.L. 117 · March 27, 1855 · Scanned page

  71. Validating the election and acts of School Directors in Butler county.

    Act 128 of 1855 · P.L. 118 · March 27, 1855 · Scanned page

  72. Supplement to an act passed the twenty-iiintli day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, chartering the Columbia Water Company, in the borough of Columbia, Lancaster county.

    Act 130 of 1855 · P.L. 119 · 1855 · Scanned page

  73. Relative to a Tax on Dogs in the county of Fayette.

    Act 132 of 1855 · P.L. 120 · March 27, 1855 · Scanned page

  74. Authorizing the President and Managers of the Limeriek and Colebrookdale Turnpike Road Company to borrow money.

    Act 133 of 1855 · P.L. 121 · March 27, 1855 · Scanned page

  75. Repealing an act relative to bounties on Fox Scalps in the counties of Schuylkill and Greene.

    Act 134 of 1855 · P.L. 122 · March 27, 1855 · Scanned page

  76. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to erect the town of Huntingdon, in the county of Huntingdon, into a borough." passed March twenty-ninth, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-six.

    Act 135 of 1855 · P.L. 122 · March 27, 1855 · Scanned page

  77. To incorporate a company to make a Plank Road from Hopewell to Bloody Run. in Uedford County,

    Act 136 of 1855 · P.L. 124 · March 27, 1855 · Scanned page

  78. To enable the Susquelianiia and Waterford Turnpike Road Company to resume the possesHi' n of that part of said road located in the counties of Venango. Clarion, Jefferson and Clearfield.

    Act 137 of 1855 · P.L. 125 · March 27, 1855 · Scanned page

  79. To establish a Ferry over the river Susquehanna at or near Ulster, in Bradford county.

    Act 138 of 1855 · P.L. 126 · March 27, 1855 · Scanned page

  80. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Pittsburg and Steubenville Railroad Company.

    Act 139 of 1855 · P.L. 127 · March 27, 1855 · Scanned page

  81. Relative to Hancock street, in the city of Pittsburg.

    Act 140 of 1855 · P.L. 128 · March 27, 1855 · Scanned page

  82. Relating to the Subscriptions of Allegheny county to certain Railroad Companies.

    Act 141 of 1855 · P.L. 129 · March 27, 1855 · Scanned page

  83. Supplement to an act relative to the creofion of a Bridge over the Yonghiogheny river in Fayette cou-ity, approved the twenty fourth day of February, oue thousand eight hundred and fil'ty five.

    Act 142 of 1855 · P.L. 129 · March 27, 1855 · Scanned page

  84. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Point Breeze Park Association.''

    Act 143 of 1855 · P.L. 130 · March 27, 1855 · Scanned page

  85. To incorporate the Conestogo and Beaver Valley Turnpike Eoad Company. Sectio>" 1.

    Act 144 of 1855 · P.L. 131 · 1855 · Scanned page

  86. Relatiye to David 8. Umbenhour, of Huntingdon county, Collector of certai* Militia Fines.

    Act 145 of 1855 · P.L. 132 · March 27, 1855 · Scanned page

  87. Declaring the West Branch of Tionesta Creek, in Warren county, and Big Run, in Jeiferson county, Public Highways.

    Act 146 of 1855 · P.L. 133 · March 27, 1855 · Scanned page

  88. To extend the Charter of the Bank of Pennsylvania.

    Act 148 of 1855 · P.L. 134 · March 29, 1855 · Scanned page

  89. Supplement to an act to authorize the construction of a Plank Road from the Lewistown and Tuscarora bridge to the Pennsylvania Railroad, passed the twenty second day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty.

    Act 151 of 1855 · P.L. 141 · March 29, 1855 · Scanned page

  90. To authorize the Commissioners of Schuylkill county to purchase a certain Lot of Ground.

    Act 152 of 1855 · P.L. 141 · March 29, 1855 · Scanned page

  91. Supplement to an act, entitled " An Act to incorporate the American Sunday School Union," passed the fifteenth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and forcy-flve.

    Act 154 of 1855 · P.L. 143 · March 29, 1855 · Scanned page

  92. Itelative to the Philadelphia and Sunbury Kailroad Company.

    Act 155 of 1855 · P.L. 144 · March 29, 1855 · Scanned page

  93. Relative to lighting the city of Erie' with Gas

    Act 156 of 1855 · P.L. 145 · March 29, 1855 · Scanned page

  94. To incorporate the Lehigh and Delaware Plank Road or Turnpike Company

    Act 157 of 1855 · P.L. 146 · March 29, 1855 · Scanned page

  95. For the relief of William P.

    Act 158 of 1855 · P.L. 147 · March 29, 1855 · Scanned page

  96. In relation to Hawkers and Pedlers in Clarion county.

    Act 159 of 1855 · P.L. 148 · March 29, 1855 · Scanned page

  97. For the preserration of Game in York, Montgomery and Lancaster counties.

    Act 160 of 1855 · P.L. 149 · March 29, 1855 · Scanned page

  98. To incorporate the Mechanics' Bank of Pittsburg.

    Act 161 of 1855 · P.L. 149 · March 30, 1855 · Scanned page

  99. To incorporate the City Bank of Philadelphia.

    Act 162 of 1855 · P.L. 150 · March 30, 1855 · Scanned page

  100. For the partial restoration of the Capital of the Bank of Penn Township, in the county of Philadelphia.

    Act 163 of 1855 · P.L. 151 · March 30, 1855 · Scanned page

By decade

Constitution of 19681968–today

Constitution of 18741874–1967

Constitution of 18381838–1873

Constitution of 17901790–1837

Constitution of 17761776–1789

Province of Pennsylvania1682–1775

1682–1801: the Statutes at Large of Pennsylvania. 1802–1974: the Pamphlet Laws (Laws of the General Assembly). Both from the scans published by the Pennsylvania Legislative Reference Bureau, which link to each original page. 1975 onward: the General Assembly’s own record of legislation enacted, which adds approval dates and bill numbers. Years the Bureau hasn’t indexed act by act come from the annual Laws of the General Assembly as scanned by the Internet Archive and Google Books: we split each volume into acts by their approval lines, and each one links to its scanned page. Before 1975 each year’s appropriation acts were scanned as one bundle, so they aren’t listed one by one. Proposed constitutional amendments, vetoed bills and reorganization plans are left out. Subject lines are the Bureau’s and the General Assembly’s, not the laws’ full titles.