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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. Supplement to the act incorporating the Pennsylvania Coal Company.

    Act 398 of 1855 · P.L. 379 · April 30, 1855 · Scanned page

  2. To the laws for the relief and support of the poor in the counties of Washinjjtoi., Greene and Fayette, npproTed April sixth, one thousand eight hundred and thirty.

    Act 399 of 1855 · P.L. 380 · April 30, 1855 · Scanned page

  3. Relative to the mode of obtaining damages for the aitering or vacating of roads in Bradford county.

    Act 400 of 1855 · P.L. 381 · April 30, 1855 · Scanned page

  4. Fo eonfinn certain Land Titles.

    Act 401 of 1855 · P.L. 381 · April 30, 1855 · Scanned page

  5. To an »ct, entitled "An Act relaMvc to suita by Sheriffs, Prothonotariog and otber offiaerg of Wostiuoreland, Lj'cimiiny and Washington oountios," approved May sixth, one thousand eight hundred and fifty four.

    Act 403 of 1855 · P.L. 383 · April 30, 1855 · Scanned page

  6. Authorising the Governor to appoint an additional Notary Public in the county of Luzerne.,

    Act 404 of 1855 · P.L. 383 · April 30, 1855 · Scanned page

  7. Entitled " An Act to regulate the Pablic Printing in the north part of Allegheny county.

    Act 405 of 1855 · P.L. 384 · April 30, 1855 · Scanned page

  8. To appoint Hugh M Kee in place of James Hilands to view parts of the Franklin Koad.

    Act 406 of 1855 · P.L. 384 · April 30, 1855 · Scanned page

  9. For tho relief of Magdaleua Hartmaa, widow of a soldier of the Revolutionary war.

    Act 407 of 1855 · P.L. 385 · April 30, 1855 · Scanned page

  10. Supplement to the act, entitled "An Act relating to assignees for the benefit of creditors and other trustees," approved the fourteenth June, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-six.

    Act 408 of 1855 · P.L. 386 · April 30, 1855 · Scanned page

  11. Authorizing the Canal CoKunissioners to esamine the claim of Woodbury township, Blair county, for the payment of certain moneys paid for the re-construction of a Canal Bridge in the said township.

    Act 410 of 1855 · P.L. 387 · April 30, 1855 · Scanned page

  12. For the relief of Charles M. Burns and others.

    Act 411 of 1855 · P.L. 388 · May 1, 1855 · Scanned page

  13. To confirm title in Edward Patterson to «ertain real estate.

    Act 412 of 1855 · P.L. 389 · May 1, 1855 · Scanned page

  14. For the relief of Christina Long, a widow of a soldier of the Revolutionary war.

    Act 413 of 1855 · P.L. 390 · May 2, 1855 · Scanned page

  15. To ijjfovide for the erection of a house for tbo employment und support of the poor of the liounty of Centre.

    Act of 1855 · P.L. 392 · May 2, 1855 · Scanned page

  16. For the relief of Margaret Watson, widow of a soldier of the Indian War.

    Act 417 of 1855 · P.L. 397 · May 2, 1855 · Scanned page

  17. Supplement to the act incorporaiing the Lackawanna Iron and Coal Company, approved fifth April, one thousand eight hundred and fiicythree.

    Act 4 of 1855 · P.L. 398 · May 2, 1855 · Scanned page

  18. Tf) sn act to incorporate the Coal Run Improvement and Railrond C rapany, approved the eleventh day of Majch, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and

    Act 420 of 1855 · P.L. 399 · May 2, 1855 · Scanned page

  19. SUPPLEMENT Totheact, entitled " An Act to incorporate the Philadelphia and Trenton Railroa-d Cotapnny," approved twentythiid day of February, Anno Duiiiiiii one ihousazul eight hundred and thirty-two.

    Act 423 of 1855 · P.L. 402 · May 2, 1855 · Scanned page

  20. Supplement to an act for the relief of the estate of Henry Friek. dcccaoorl. ef cefarn, approved the fifth day of April, one thousand eight hundred aud forty-nine.

    Act 425 of 1855 · P.L. 403 · May 2, 1855 · Scanned page

  21. Relative to Benedict Stevens, collector of taxes of Springfield township, Ilunting- •■ don county.

    Act 428 of 1855 · P.L. 406 · May 2, 1855 · Scanned page

  22. Supplement to the act to incorporate the Clinton County Coal Company.

    Act 429 of 1855 · P.L. 406 · May 2, 1855 · Scanned page

  23. To incorporate the Sterling Plank Road or Turnpilse Company.

    Act of 1855 · P.L. 407 · May 2, 1855 · Scanned page

  24. Authorizing the Pittsburg and Coal Hill Turnpike Road Company to borrow money

    Act 4 of 1855 · P.L. 408 · May 2, 1855 · Scanned page

  25. Relative to supplying the borough of Altoona with water.

    Act of 1855 · P.L. 409 · May 2, 1855 · Scanned page

  26. To incorporate the Waupauscening and Owego Plank R.oad or Turnpike Road (Jouipany.

    Act 433 of 1855 · P.L. 411 · May 2, 1855 · Scanned page

  27. To an net to incorporate the Diuphin and Susquehannn Coal ''ompany, approved the lit'ili day of April, one thousand eight hundred and twenty six.

    Act 434 of 1855 · P.L. 412 · May 2, 1855 · Scanned page

  28. Supplement to the act inoorporating the Pennsylvania Railroad Compnny.

    Act 435 of 1855 · P.L. 412 · May 2, 1855 · Scanned page

  29. Aathorizing ths Overseers of the Poor of the township of Lycoming, in the oountr of Lycoming, to recover certain moneys.

    Act of 1855 · P.L. 414 · May 3, 1855 · Scanned page

  30. Supplement to an act relating to Assignees for the benefit of Creditors and other Trustees. Sectiotj 1.

    Act 438 of 1855 · P.L. 415 · May 3, 1855 · Scanned page

  31. Buppleinentary to an act incorporatin; fh" York and Conewago Canal Turnplk* 11 (mil C nipaiiy.

    Act 439 of 1855 · P.L. 416 · May 3, 1855 · Scanned page

  32. Supplementary to an act, entitled " An Act to incorporate the Byberry and Poquesen Turnpike Road Company, and relative to the publisation of the final report on the (xeological Survey of the State," approved April fourteenth, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-one. Sectio]^ 1.

    Act 440 of 1855 · P.L. 417 · May 3, 1855 · Scanned page

  33. To widen Jarvis Lane, in the city of Philadelphia.

    Act 441 of 1855 · P.L. 418 · May 3, 1855 · Scanned page

  34. ACT To authorize the d Alining of Birch Pond, in Bristol township, Bucks couBty. Wnr.REAs, It has been represented to the leo-islature that larjre „,■•,•, c • ^. ^ Preamble, qtiantiiies ot water are Iroin time to time accumulatino:, so as to form a pond, coverinfr a large area, known as the Birch pond, upon lands of J-'amuel Hulme, Robert Wrigiit and William B. / Rogers, in the township

    Act 442 of 1855 · P.L. 419 · May 3, 1855 · Scanned page

  35. Tu an act to incorporate the Halter Creek Turnpike Road Company, approved tlio fifth day of May, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-four.

    Act 443 of 1855 · P.L. 420 · May 3, 1855 · Scanned page

  36. To prevent and punish wanton cruelty to Animals in the city of Philadelphia.

    Act 444 of 1855 · P.L. 421 · May 3, 1855 · Scanned page

  37. Relative to taxes in the borough of Smethport, county of

    Act 445 of 1855 · P.L. 421 · May 3, 1855 · Scanned page

  38. Supplement to an act, entitled " An Act relating to Roads, Ilighwavs and Rridgcp," approved June thirteenth, one thousand eight hundred and thirty six

    Act 446 of 1855 · P.L. 422 · 1855 · Scanned page

  39. Fo an act to authorize the Governor to incorporate the West Chester and Philadelphia Railroad Company.

    Act 447 of 1855 · P.L. 423 · May 3, 1855 · Scanned page

  40. Relating to Corporations.

    Act 448 of 1855 · P.L. 423 · May 3, 1855 · Scanned page

  41. To exempt from taxation the Union Scliool and Children's Homo, and Xorthtrn. Home for I'riendless Children, in Philadclpliia.

    Act 449 of 1855 · P.L. 424 · May 4, 1855 · Scanned page

  42. To ths several acts relating to the tax upon Collateral Inheritances.

    Act 450 of 1855 · P.L. 425 · May 4, 1855 · Scanned page

  43. For the relief of Mai^aret Yeager. widow of George Yeager, a soldier of the Revo-, _ luiiouary war.

    Act 451 of 1855 · P.L. 426 · May 4, 1855 · Scanned page

  44. To authorize the managers of the House of Refuge for Western Pennsjlyania to borrow money. Sectiox 1.

    Act 452 of 1855 · P.L. 427 · May 4, 1855 · Scanned page

  45. To revive and continue in force the law Graduating Lands upon which purcha.-ie money is due the Commonvvealth, passed April the tenth, one thousand eight hundred and thirtj'-five.

    Act 454 of 1855 · P.L. 428 · May 4, 1855 · Scanned page

  46. Supplement to the act ineorporatiDg the Sunbury and Erie Railread Company.

    Act 455 of 1855 · P.L. 429 · May 4, 1855 · Scanned page

  47. to its Superyisors and School Directors of Barnett township, in Forest county.

    Act 458 of 1855 · P.L. 433 · May 4, 1855 · Scanned page

  48. For the relief of William Able.

    Act 459 of 1855 · P.L. 434 · May 4, 1855 · Scanned page

  49. To authorize the admiristrntnrs of R. P. Wallace, and csecntor of 3u?an Geaimill, to join in making a deed to the heirs of W.

    Act 460 of 1855 · P.L. 434 · May 4, 1855 · Scanned page

  50. Fo the act incorporating the Donaldson Improvement a,nd Railroad Company, f'irmerly the E.igle Iron Company, approved on the fifth day of May, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and forty-ono.

    Act of 1855 · P.L. 435 · May 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  51. Supplementary to an act, entitled ''An Actio incorporate the Inrlependent Mutoal Insurance Company," approved the eighteenth day of April. Anno Domini one t-faousaud eight hundred and fifty three.

    Act 463 of 1855 · P.L. 437 · 1855 · Scanned page

  52. Relating to Saperrisors and the Contractor? to repair Public Koads in certain townships in Schuylkill county.

    Act 464 of 1855 · P.L. 437 · 1855 · Scanned page

  53. To confirm the title to a certain lot in SevTicklejTille, Allegheny countj.

    Act 465 of 1855 · P.L. 438 · May 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  54. To enable John E. Carver and Mary Crim, trustees, to convey the trust property to Sarah Aun Parsons, the cestui que tmst, and to abolish the said trust. VV^HEREAs, On the sixteenth day of June, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two, Sarah Ann Crim, being seized of certain real estate, and possessed of certain personal property, by indenture bearing date that day, conveyed all

    Act 466 of 1855 · P.L. 439 · May 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  55. A Relatire to the appointment of Tax Colleotors in Moctgoinery county.

    Act 467 of 1855 · P.L. 440 · May 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  56. To validate the action and extend the jirivilegos of the Towanda and Diirling*** Plank Road Company. WiiEEE.^s, The stockholders of the Towanda and Burling^ton plank road company omitted and neglected to meet on the fir^t Monday of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-four, and choose officers of s,;id company (or the then ensuing year : And whereas, The

    Act 468 of 1855 · P.L. 440 · May 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  57. To allow the Cashier of the Warren County Bank to hold the office of Prothonotary.

    Act 469 of 1855 · P.L. 441 · May 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  58. To Jin act for the defining the Boundary Line betweeft the city of Philadelphia and Montgomery county, approved the twenty-first day of April, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five.

    Act 470 of 1855 · P.L. 442 · May 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  59. Supplement to an act to create permanently the office of State Printer.

    Act 471 of 1855 · P.L. 443 · May 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  60. to the act making an annual appropriation to the Pliiladelpiiia Society for Promoting Agriculture, approved the second of April, one thoUd;inJ eight hundred and forty-nine.

    Act 473 of 1855 · P.L. 445 · May 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  61. Chaftging the time of holding the Ci;urt3 of

    Act 474 of 1855 · P.L. 445 · May 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  62. To release the late Prothrmotary of Fulton county from the payment of certain taxes and fees on commissions and bonds. WHEREi\3, Jacob Reed, appointed to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Solomon Mason, late piothonotary of Fulton county, remaining in said office but ten months; that owingto the sparse population and small amount of business transacted, the county being but

    Act 476 of 1855 · P.L. 447 · May 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  63. For the relief of Elizabeth Ward, widow of an old soldier. Sectiom 1.

    Act 477 of 1855 · P.L. 447 · May 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  64. Supplement to an act to incorporate the West Ward Water Company of Easlon. Srctio.v 1.

    Act 473 of 1855 · P.L. 448 · May 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  65. Supplement to the act incorporating the Marshall Savings Asscciation of

    Act 480 of 1855 · P.L. 451 · May 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  66. To incorporate the Allegheny Plank Road and Turnpike flompany.

    Act 481 of 1855 · P.L. 452 · May 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  67. Relatlag to Elections in the County of Montgomery.

    Act 482 of 1855 · P.L. 453 · May 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  68. To authorize the cleaning out of a part of the Channel of the Susquehanna river, in Dauphin county.

    Act 483 of 1855 · P.L. 453 · May 5, 1855 · Scanned page

  69. Relative to the Greenwich Land and Building Association.

    Act 4 of 1855 · P.L. 454 · May 7, 1855 · Scanned page

  70. To extend the Charter of the Bank of Gommerco.

    Act 4 of 1855 · P.L. 455 · May 7, 1855 · Scanned page

  71. Relating to the Pittston Coal Company.

    Act 486 of 1855 · P.L. 456 · May 7, 1855 · Scanned page

  72. To m act, entitled -'An Act to erect Danrille into a borough.

    Act 489 of 1855 · P.L. 457 · May 7, 1855 · Scanned page

  73. Exempting Coal and Lumber from the Tonnage Tax.

    Act 490 of 1855 · P.L. 459 · May 7, 1855 · Scanned page

  74. Supplement to the act, entitled '-An Act authorizing the Governor to incorporate the Pittston Water Company."'

    Act 491 of 1855 · P.L. 459 · May 7, 1855 · Scanned page

  75. Relative to the property of Rebecca Dunwidde, deceased.

    Act 492 of 1855 · P.L. 461 · May 7, 1855 · Scanned page

  76. To prohibit the Sale of Unwholesome

    Act 495 of 1855 · P.L. 463 · May 7, 1855 · Scanned page

  77. To provide for the Regulation and Inspeetion of Buildings in the city of Philadelphia, and fur the better preserTaiion of life and property.

    Act 496 of 1855 · P.L. 464 · May 7, 1855 · Scanned page

  78. Repealing an act approved March first, one thousand eight hundred and fift_vfour, vacatiug a certain part of a street and alley in the borough of Wrightsville, county of York.

    Act 497 of 1855 · P.L. 469 · 1855 · Scanned page

  79. To repeal a part of the proviso to the fourteenth seotion of the suppleTnont to aa act. entitled "An Act to revise the Militia System and provide for the trainir.g (if such only as shall be uniformed," approved the thirtieth day ot April, Anut> Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty throe.

    Act 498 of 1855 · P.L. 470 · May 7, 1855 · Scanned page

  80. Authorizing the School Directors of Now Castle, Lawrence county, to borrow money.

    Act 499 of 1855 · P.L. 470 · May 7, 1855 · Scanned page

  81. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to ereefc the vilhige fif Honesdale, in the county of Wayne, into a boruugh.''

    Act 500 of 1855 · P.L. 471 · 1855 · Scanned page

  82. For the extension of Prince Street and opening of College Avcni'e, in the city of Lancaster, and relative to a certain street iu the borough of Pottsville.

    Act 502 of 1855 · P.L. 473 · May 7, 1855 · Scanned page

  83. ACT To annul the marriage contract between John G. Rich and Mary his wife.

    Act 503 of 1855 · P.L. 475 · May 7, 1855 · Scanned page

  84. Relative to the proof of title of John Keating and Company.

    Act 504 of 1855 · P.L. 475 · May 7, 1855 · Scanned page

  85. To provide for the destruction of Cannda Thistles and other Noxious Weeds, and the maintaiuing of Ditches ou the Ijanks of railroads iu the county of Erie.

    Act 505 of 1855 · P.L. 476 · May 7, 1855 · Scanned page

  86. Supplement to an act to authorize the Courts to alter Charters in certain cases, passed May the cigtith, one thousaud eight hundred and fifty-four. Sectio?! 1.

    Act 506 of 1855 · P.L. 477 · May 7, 1855 · Scanned page

  87. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act in relation to Elections ami certnin Election Di<<trici-,s," approved the elevtuth d^y of March, one tlioudaud eight huudred ami fifty two.

    Act 507 of 1855 · P.L. 478 · May 7, 1855 · Scanned page

  88. No. SOS. SUPPLEMENT T» an net incorporating thn Dime Savings Institution of Phil. idol]. hi a, approved twenty aevonlh day of March, ouo thousand eiglit hundred and

    Act 508 of 1855 · P.L. 478 · May 7, 1855 · Scanned page

  89. To protect Keepers of Hotels, Inns and BoardiDg Houses.

    Act 509 of 1855 · P.L. 479 · May 7, 1855 · Scanned page

  90. Extending the laws authorizing the incorporation of Savings Fund, Land, Building and Loan Associations to Lehigh, Northampton and Dauphin counties.

    Act 510 of 1855 · P.L. 481 · May 7, 1855 · Scanned page

  91. Tlelatiye to certain In-lots in the eity of Erie, formerly used as a burying ground.

    Act 511 of 1855 · P.L. 482 · May 7, 1855 · Scanned page

  92. Permitting Joseph Longring to peddle within the county of Lebanon.

    Act 512 of 1855 · P.L. 483 · May 7, 1855 · Scanned page

  93. Changing the time for the meeting of the Township Auditors in Bradford oounty.

    Act 513 of 1855 · P.L. 483 · May 7, 1855 · Scanned page

  94. For the relief of Jacob Deffenderfer, a soldier of the Revolutionary war.

    Act 514 of 1855 · P.L. 484 · May 7, 1855 · Scanned page

  95. For the relief of Anna Margaret Lightner, widow of an old soldier of the Revolutionary war.

    Act 515 of 1855 · P.L. 484 · May 7, 1855 · Scanned page

  96. For the relief of John W. Wright, late Treasurer of Clearfield county.

    Act 516 of 1855 · P.L. 485 · May 7, 1855 · Scanned page

  97. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act relative to the Lancaster County

    Act 517 of 1855 · P.L. 486 · 1855 · Scanned page

  98. Relative to Huckstering in the county of York.

    Act 518 of 1855 · P.L. 486 · May 7, 1855 · Scanned page

  99. Supplement to the act to incorporate the borough of Brownsville, in the ceunty of Fayette.

    Act 519 of 1855 · P.L. 487 · May 7, 1855 · Scanned page

  100. Requiring the Supervisors of Highways in certain counties to give seeuritv.

    Act 520 of 1855 · P.L. 488 · May 7, 1855 · Scanned page

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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.