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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. To authorize the relocation of certain Streets in the city distriat of Pittsburg.

    Act 164 of 1855 · P.L. 152 · March 30, 1855 · Scanned page

  2. Authorizinff the School Directors of Morriis district, Huntingdon county, to pay over School Taxes to the Directors of Franklin district, in said county, et cetera.

    Act 165 of 1855 · P.L. 152 · March 30, 1855 · Scanned page

  3. Giving a bounty on Fox Scalps in Butler county.

    Act 166 of 1855 · P.L. 153 · March 30, 1855 · Scanned page

  4. Supplementary to an act regulating Election Districts, passed the twenty second day of January, one thousand eight hundred and forty-four.

    Act 168 of 1855 · P.L. 155 · March 30, 1855 · Scanned page

  5. Supplementary to an act of Assembly, passed eighteenth April, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-three, entitled " An Act to incorporate the Kittanning Bridge Company; to protect Orchards and Gardens in certain counties, and authorizing. the Swatara Railroad Company to construet a Branch Railroad.

    Act 169 of 1855 · P.L. 155 · March 30, 1855 · Scanned page

  6. To incorporate the AnthracHe Bank cf Tamaqua.

    Act 170 of 1855 · P.L. 156 · March 30, 1855 · Scanned page

  7. Supplement to the act, eati;!ed '' An Act to aufhorize the Governor to incorporato the West t Chester and Philadelphia Ilaiiroad Company." Wheukas, The West Chester and I'hiladelphia railroad com- „ pany wili require, lor the proper completion and equipment of their railroad, a greater sum than can bs realized by the sale of bonds and stock, now authorized by law : Jlnd v)hereas, Tlie mailing

    Act 171 of 1855 · P.L. 157 · 1855 · Scanned page

  8. the act relating to County lia'cns an'l Lcvic', nnd TowasLip fiatc? nr.f] Lfivies; nnfl to th'3 aat rahitin^ to Gouaiica' and Townships, unci Oouiiry aud Tuwaship Officers.

    Act 172 of 1855 · P.L. 160 · March 30, 1855 · Scanned page

  9. To authorize the corporation of the city of Philadelphia to mak« Temporary Loans.

    Act 173 of 1855 · P.L. 161 · March 30, 1855 · Scanned page

  10. Relating to the Courts of Philadelphia.

    Act 174 of 1855 · P.L. 162 · April 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  11. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Huntingdon and Broad Top Mountain Kailroad and Coal Company, approved May sixth, one thousand eigiit hundred and fiftytwo.

    Act 175 of 1855 · P.L. 162 · April 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  12. Supplement to the act ineorporating the Columbia and Chesnut Hill Turnpike Road Company.

    Act 177 of 1855 · P.L. 165 · April 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  13. Authorizing the Commissioners of Jefferson county to borrow a sum of money not exceeding five thousand dollars, to pay on contract for building Jail.

    Act 178 of 1855 · P.L. 165 · April 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  14. To provide for the construction of a Dnm and In-let Loeli at the mouth of Mill creek, iu the county of Luzerne.

    Act 179 of 1855 · P.L. 166 · April 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  15. For the Sale and Purchase of the Falls of Schuylkill Bridge, in the city of Philadelphia.

    Act 180 of 1855 · P.L. 167 · April 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  16. To incorporate tho Hartsville and Centreville Turnpike Road Company.

    Act 181 of 1855 · P.L. 168 · April 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  17. To incorporate the Bridesburg Plank Road Company.

    Act 183 of 1855 · P.L. 169 · April 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  18. Supplementary to au act, entitled " An Act changing the time of holding the Courts in the county of Susquehanna.

    Act 184 of 1855 · P.L. 171 · April 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  19. Relating to the Directors of the Poor of Delaware county.

    Act 185 of 1855 · P.L. 171 · April 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  20. To confirm and legalize the Election of Trustees of the Second Presbyterian Cobgregatiou of the city of Lancaster.

    Act 186 of 1855 · P.L. 172 · April 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  21. to an act, approved March fourth, one thousand eight hundred and fiftj, exempting the Olome Institute Female Seminary, in the borough of Canons burg, from taxation.

    Act 187 of 1855 · P.L. 173 · April 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  22. Relative to Hawkers and Pedlcrs in the county of Venango.

    Act 188 of 1855 · P.L. 174 · April 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  23. To authorize the North Pennsylvjinia Coal Company to pay interest to stockholders.

    Act 189 of 1855 · P.L. 174 · April 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  24. Relative to a Bridge at the West end of Brookville, JeiFerson county.

    Act 190 of 1855 · P.L. 175 · April 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  25. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Aet to incorporate the Manheim, Petersburg and Lancaster Turnpike or Plank Roiid Ooiupauy.

    Act 192 of 1855 · P.L. 176 · April 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  26. To ascertain and fix the Dividing Line between the counties of Berks and Schuj'lkill,;i,(l to legalize in part the Report of Commissioners appointed to ascertain and Ux the Dividing Line between the counties of Berks and Schuylkill, under the provisions of an act of assembly, approved on the fifteenth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fiftj-, and the supplement

    Act 193 of 1855 · P.L. 177 · April 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  27. Supplement to an act to re-incorporate the New Brighton Water ■Company and enlarge its powers, approveil the eighth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and forty-eight.

    Act 194 of 1855 · P.L. 179 · April 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  28. To extend the charter of the Farmers' Bank of Reading.

    Act 195 of 1855 · P.L. 180 · April 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  29. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Lumberville Delaware Bridge Company, passed April seventh, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and thirty-five.

    Act 196 of 1855 · P.L. 181 · April 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  30. To authorize the Governor to incorymrate a Company to erect a Bridge across tho^ Lehigh liver, near Ilocl^endauqua, in Lehigh county.

    Act 197 of 1855 · P.L. 182 · April 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  31. To alter Water Street, in the borongli of Pottstown, Montgomery county.

    Act 198 of 1855 · P.L. 187 · April 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  32. To enable the Sharon Iron CompaBy, of Mercer county, to subscribe to the Stock of the Pittsburg and Erie Uailroad, Company.

    Act 199 of 1855 · P.L. 188 · April 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  33. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Pattonsville and Woodberry Turnpike Road Company, approved the eighteenth day of March, A. D. one thousand ci^lit hundred and fifty-two.

    Act 200 of 1855 · P.L. 188 · 1855 · Scanned page

  34. Extending the provisions of an act to consolidate and amend the road laws of the counties of Beaver, Butler and Lawrence.

    Act 201 of 1855 · P.L. 189 · April 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  35. Supplement to the act incorporating the Columbia Gas Company.

    Act 202 of 1855 · P.L. 190 · April 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  36. To provide a place for holding elections in the township of Cambridge, Crawford county.

    Act 203 of 1855 · P.L. 190 · April 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  37. Supplement to the act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Lackawannna and Eloomsbnrg Railroad Company.' approved the fifth day of April, Anno Domini one ihougand eight hundred and fifty-two.

    Act 204 of 1855 · P.L. 191 · April 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  38. Supplement to an act, entitled " An Act to authorize the appointment of an Auctioneer in Clinton county, and in the borough of Meadville, Crawford county. "" passed the thirtieth March, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-four.

    Act 205 of 1855 · P.L. 192 · April 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  39. Repealing a supplement to an net incorporating the Western Insurance Companjof the city of Pittsburg, passed April sixth, one thousand eight hundred and fifty.

    Act 206 of 1855 · P.L. 193 · April 6, 1855 · Scanned page

  40. To authorize the Sunbury Canal and Water Power Company to erect a Boom in the West Branch of the Susquehanna river.

    Act 207 of 1855 · P.L. 194 · April 6, 1855 · Scanned page

  41. To enable the Court to decree a certain Trust terminated.

    Act 208 of 1855 · P.L. 195 · April 6, 1855 · Scanned page

  42. To remove certain disabilities of P. Filbert, in consequence of his removal to Virginia.

    Act 209 of 1855 · P.L. 196 · April 6, 1855 · Scanned page

  43. Authorizing the opening of a Street in the city of Pittsburg.

    Act 210 of 1855 · P.L. 196 · April 6, 1855 · Scanned page

  44. Relative to the pay of the County Commissioners of the counties of Bradford, Centre, Lawrence and Beaver.

    Act 211 of 1855 · P.L. 198 · April 7, 1855 · Scanned page

  45. To authorize the President and Managers of the Jarrettoivn and Horsham Turn pike Road Company to borrow money.

    Act 212 of 1855 · P.L. 198 · April 7, 1855 · Scanned page

  46. To enable the Executors of the Estate of John Eckel, deceased, to sell certain Real Estate in Schuylkill county.

    Act 213 of 1855 · P.L. 199 · April 9, 1855 · Scanned page

  47. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Feasterville and Bridgetown Turnpike Company, approved the seventeenth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and fortyfour.

    Act 215 of 1855 · P.L. 201 · April 9, 1855 · Scanned page

  48. For the erection of a House of Employment and Support of the Poor of the county of Indiana. Commi=iioner.s. Dutiej. lllectioii of direc tors of the pour Toriud.

    Act 216 of 1855 · P.L. 202 · April 9, 1855 · Scanned page

  49. For the Relief of John G. Lowry, late Treasurer of Centre county.

    Act 217 of 1855 · P.L. 207 · April 9, 1855 · Scanned page

  50. extend the provisions contained in the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth sections of an act, entitled " A supplement to an act, entitled ' An Act to prevent waste in certain cases within this commonwealth; relative to Land and Building Associations.' et cetera, npproved the twenty second day of April, one thousand eight hundred and fifty,'" to certain counties.

    Act 218 of 1855 · P.L. 208 · April 9, 1855 · Scanned page

  51. To an aot, entitled " An Act to enable the Governor to incorporate a Company for making an Artiliui.il Koad, by the best and nearest route, fn.m the borough of York to the Marylai]d Line, at the place the present York Road passes the same, or as near thereto as the Commissioners shall find expedient.

    Act 219 of 1855 · P.L. 209 · April 9, 1855 · Scanned page

  52. To tin net ti enable the Governor to incorporate a cnmpnpy to ni;ike nn Artificial Road, by the licst and nearest route, tVom the norih end of Geurg^j street, in tho borough of Yoik, to the Canal Feiry on the liver Susquehanna, and iroiu ihetto up the said river to the head of Concwago falls.

    Act 220 of 1855 · P.L. 210 · April 10, 1855 · Scanned page

  53. Llelativo to tho Bridge over Big Mahoning creek, in Jefferson county.

    Act 221 of 1855 · P.L. 210 · April 10, 1855 · Scanned page

  54. For the Relief of Catharine Buechle, widow of an old soldier.

    Act 223 of 1855 · P.L. 212 · April 10, 1855 · Scanned page

  55. Relative to Militia Fines in certain

    Act 224 of 1855 · P.L. 212 · April 12, 1855 · Scanned page

  56. Supplement to an act relating to the Commencement of Actions, approved the thirteenth of June, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-six.

    Act 226 of 1855 · P.L. 213 · April 12, 1855 · Scanned page

  57. Supplement to the act, entitled '' An Act relating to Orihans' Court?,"' pnpsed the twenty-ninth day ot March, one thousand eijjht hundred iind thiny-two. Skctiox 1. Be it. enacted by the Senate and House of Representative^ of the Commn?iweaIth of Pennsylvania I'n General Jlssembly met, and it is tiere')y enacted by the authority of the same, That hereafter in all cases of partition in

    Act 227 of 1855 · P.L. 214 · April 12, 1855 · Scanned page

  58. To appoiat Commissioners to lay out a Road in Juniata and Perry counties. SECTinx 1.

    Act 229 of 1855 · P.L. 215 · April 12, 1855 · Scanned page

  59. To authorize the West Pittston Coal Company to pay interest to stockholder,'-, ami to subscribe to the stucl'of the Lacliawannaand Jiloomsburg Railioad Company.

    Act 230 of 1855 · P.L. 216 · April 12, 1855 · Scanned page

  60. Supplement to an act to enable Joint Tenants, and Tenants in Common and Adjoining Owners of Mineral Lands in this Commonwealtii, to manage and develop the same.

    Act 231 of 1855 · P.L. 217 · April 12, 1855 · Scanned page

  61. Regulating Bridge Companies.

    Act 232 of 1855 · P.L. 217 · April 12, 1855 · Scanned page

  62. Relative to the Erection of Bridges over Canals and Railroads.

    Act 233 of 1855 · P.L. 220 · April 12, 1855 · Scanned page

  63. Supplement to an act authorizing the Governor to incorporate the Pottsvillc Wnter Company, apjirovcd the eleventh day of April, Airno Domini one thousand eight hundred and thirty-lour.

    Act 234 of 1855 · P.L. 220 · 1855 · Scanned page

  64. an act providing for the publication of the Colonial Records and other original papers in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, approved February fifteenth, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-one.

    Act 235 of 1855 · P.L. 221 · April 13, 1855 · Scanned page

  65. Aathorizing the incorporation of the Consolidation Bank of Philadelphia.

    Act 238 of 1855 · P.L. 224 · April 13, 1855 · Scanned page

  66. To restrain the Sale of Intoxicating Liquors.

    Act 239 of 1855 · P.L. 225 · April 14, 1855 · Scanned page

  67. Supplemental to an act to incorporate the Monongaiiela Bridge Company, ai Mouougahela city.

    Act 240 of 1855 · P.L. 228 · April 13, 1855 · Scanned page

  68. For the purpose of enabling Benjamin Hill, of Westmoreland county, to adopt certain persons as his own children.

    Act 242 of 1855 · P.L. 230 · April 13, 1855 · Scanned page

  69. To incorporate the Lampeter and Bridgeport Turnpilio Road Company.

    Act 243 of 1855 · P.L. 230 · April 13, 1855 · Scanned page

  70. Relating to Auctioneers in the city of Erie.

    Act 244 of 1855 · P.L. 231 · April 13, 1855 · Scanned page

  71. For the Relief of John Whiteman, for damages sHstained his property l^ the construction of the Philadelphia and Columbia Railroad

    Act 245 of 1855 · P.L. 233 · April 14, 1855 · Scanned page

  72. For the preservation of Insectivorous Birds, and for the protection of Fruit and Fruit Trees in certain eountiea.

    Act 246 of 1855 · P.L. 234 · April 14, 1855 · Scanned page

  73. To authorize the re-construction of a Bridge across the Clarion river, at the mouth of Mill creek.

    Act 247 of 1855 · P.L. 235 · April 14, 1855 · Scanned page

  74. Authorizing the laying out of a State Road from Meadville, in Crawford county, t* New AVilmington, in Lawrence county.

    Act 248 of 1855 · P.L. 236 · April 14, 1855 · Scanned page

  75. Relating to tho Old Goshenhoppen School District, in Montgomery county.

    Act 249 of 1855 · P.L. 238 · April 14, 1855 · Scanned page

  76. Supplement to the act relating to the termination of the North Branch Extension of the Pennsj'lvania Canal.

    Act of 1855 · P.L. 239 · April 14, 1855 · Scanned page

  77. To consolidate and amend the Koad Laivsof the counties of Tioga, Potter, M'Kean and Elk.

    Act 252 of 1855 · P.L. 240 · April 14, 1855 · Scanned page

  78. Authorizing the Tomperanceville and Noblestown Plank Road Company to borrow money.

    Act 253 of 1855 · P.L. 242 · April 18, 1855 · Scanned page

  79. Supplement to an act, entitled " An Act to provide for the erection of a House for the Employment and Support of the Poor in the county of Allegheny.

    Act 254 of 1855 · P.L. 243 · April 18, 1855 · Scanned page

  80. Supplement to the act. entitled " An Act directing the Judges of the Court of Common Picas in Philadelphia county, to appoint an Examiner in the case of Elizabeth Cameron, a lunatic," approved March serenth, Anno Domini one thousand eighthundred and fifty-four.

    Act 255 of 1855 · P.L. 244 · April 18, 1855 · Scanned page

  81. Supplement to an act graduating the Duties wpon Wholesale Dealers and Retailers of Merchandize, and prescribing the mode of issuing Licenses and collecting said duties, approved the seventh day of April, one thousand eight hundred and thirty.

    Act 256 of 1855 · P.L. 244 · April 18, 1855 · Scanned page

  82. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Philadelphia and West Chester Turnpike Road Company, approved the twenty-fifth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and forty-eight.

    Act 257 of 1855 · P.L. 245 · April 18, 1855 · Scanned page

  83. Helative to the maintenance of the House of Refuge.

    Act 258 of 1855 · P.L. 245 · April 18, 1855 · Scanned page

  84. Supplement to an act approved the eighth day of May, one thousand eight hundred and fiftyfour, entitled '• An Act to incorporate Greenwood Colony.

    Act 259 of 1855 · P.L. 246 · April 18, 1855 · Scanned page

  85. For the Relief of Elizabeth Pell, the widow of an old soldier.

    Act 260 of 1855 · P.L. 247 · April 18, 1855 · Scanned page

  86. To repeal part of an a«t to incorporate the borough of Mifflinburg, in Union county.

    Act 261 of 1855 · P.L. 247 · April 18, 1855 · Scanned page

  87. To incorporate the Tammeuend turnpike company.

    Act 262 of 1855 · P.L. 248 · 1855 · Scanned page

  88. For the Relief of Isabella Innis, widow pf an old soldier.

    Act 263 of 1855 · P.L. 249 · April 18, 1855 · Scanned page

  89. Declaring Potato creek, in the county of M'Kean, a public highway.

    Act 264 of 1855 · P.L. 250 · April 18, 1855 · Scanned page

  90. T. entitled " An Act authorizing the Governor to incorporate the Bridg nd Newtown Turnpike or Plank Road Cumpany,"' approved the fifteer April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-one.

    Act 265 of 1855 · P.L. 250 · 1855 · Scanned page

  91. Authorizing the Aviditor General and State Treasurer to examine the claim of Henry W;igner. tor damages by the laying of gas pipes through his land, to the State Lunatic Asylum.

    Act 266 of 1855 · P.L. 251 · April 18, 1855 · Scanned page

  92. To provide for an Equitable Division of a certain amount paid annually by the ' Delaware Coal Company towards the support of two Schools, according to the ■ provisions of the resolution of the fifth day of April, one thousand eight hundred ji and forty

    Act 267 of 1855 · P.L. 251 · April 18, 1855 · Scanned page

  93. Lielative to Aldermen in certain Wards of tlie city of Ptiiladelphia.

    Act 270 of 1855 · P.L. 254 · April 18, 1855 · Scanned page

  94. act, entitled " An Act to incorporate the Lorhcrry Creek Railroad Company," approved the thirtieth day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and thirty-one.

    Act 271 of 1855 · P.L. 255 · April 18, 1855 · Scanned page

  95. To authorize the appointment of a Notary Public in Waterford, Erie county.

    Act 272 of 1855 · P.L. 257 · April 18, 1855 · Scanned page

  96. To authorize the taking of a Census of the city of Philadelphia, in one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five.

    Act 273 of 1855 · P.L. 257 · April 18, 1855 · Scanned page

  97. Supplement to an act Regulating Banks, approved tbe sixteenth day of April, one thousandf eight hundred and fifty.

    Act 274 of 1855 · P.L. 258 · April 18, 1855 · Scanned page

  98. Relative to one square of Washington street, in tlie city of Philadelphia.

    Act 275 of 1855 · P.L. 259 · April 18, 1855 · Scanned page

  99. Eelative to the Overseers of the Poor of the borough of Meadville, in Crawford county.

    Act 276 of 1855 · P.L. 259 · April 18, 1855 · Scanned page

  100. In relation to the Papers, et cetera, remaining in the sereral Courts of Venangs county.

    Act 277 of 1855 · P.L. 260 · April 18, 1855 · Scanned page

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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.