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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 an act to incorporate the Navigation Railroad Conipany, approved April twentieth, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-fuur.

    Act 104 of 1856 · P.L. 86 · March 7, 1856 · Scanned page

  2. Supplement to an act incorporating the Lewistown Gas Company, in Mifflin county.

    Act 106 of 1856 · P.L. 87 · March 7, 1856 · Scanned page

  3. To transfer Crows Island fiom D:»uphin to Perry county.

    Act 107 of 1856 · P.L. 88 · March 7, 1856 · Scanned page

  4. Supplement to the act incorporating a company to make a Plank Road from Hopewell to liloody Run, in Bf'dtord county, approved March tweuty-seveath, eighteen liundr. d and fifty

    Act 109 of 1856 · P.L. 89 · March 7, 1856 · Scanned page

  5. Supplement to an act relative to the erection of a Bridga over tlie Yonghiogheny river, in Faj-ette county, approved the twenty, fourth day February, od« thousand eight hundred and fifty-tive.

    Act 110 of 1856 · P.L. 90 · March 7, 1856 · Scanned page

  6. Supplement to an act authorizing the laying out of a State Road from Meadville, hi Crawford county, to New Wilmington, in Lawrence county.

    Act 111 of 1856 · P.L. 90 · March 7, 1856 · Scanned page

  7. Supplement to an act authorizing the Governor to incorporate the West Chester and Great Valley Plank Road Company, approved the twelfth day of February, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.

    Act of 1856 · P.L. 92 · March 7, 1856 · Scanned page

  8. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Huntingdon and Broad Top Mountain Railroad and Coal Company.

    Act 114 of 1856 · P.L. 93 · March 7, 1856 · Scanned page

  9. Supplementary to the art incorporating the borough of Easton.

    Act 115 of 1856 · P.L. 94 · March 8, 1856 · Scanned page

  10. Relating to the Lehigh Valley Railroad

    Act 116 of 1856 · P.L. 96 · March 8, 1856 · Scanned page

  11. To the charter of the Easton Water Company.

    Act 117 of 1856 · P.L. 97 · March 8, 1856 · Scanned page

  12. To legitimate Malinda Florence Rerer.

    Act 118 of 1856 · P.L. 99 · March 8, 1856 · Scanned page

  13. To authorize the Canal Commissioners to examine tlie Claim of Samuel Caldwell.

    Act 120 of 1856 · P.L. 100 · March 8, 1856 · Scanned page

  14. Authorizing the Commissioners of Perry county to borrow money.

    Act 121 of 1856 · P.L. 101 · March 8, 1856 · Scanned page

  15. Supplement to an act to erect Norristown, in Montgomery county, into a borough.

    Act 122 of 1856 · P.L. 101 · March 8, 1856 · Scanned page

  16. Kelating to returns by Collectors of Taxes upon Unseated Lands in th« county of Erie.

    Act 123 of 1856 · P.L. 106 · March 8, 1856 · Scanned page

  17. To authorize the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Company to borrow moirey.

    Act 124 of 1856 · P.L. 107 · March 8, 1856 · Scanned page

  18. Supplement to an act incorporating the East Liberty and Penn Township Plank Road Company, approved the fifth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two.

    Act 125 of 1856 · P.L. 108 · March 12, 1856 · Scanned page

  19. Relative to Orrsville, in Armstrong county.

    Act 126 of 1856 · P.L. 108 · March 12, 1856 · Scanned page

  20. To change the place of holding the general and township elections for the townships of Latimore and Huntington, in the county of Adams. Sectiox 1.

    Act 127 of 1856 · P.L. 109 · March 12, 1856 · Scanned page

  21. Supplement to an act passed the eleventh March, one thousand eight hundred and twenty-six, entitled " An Act authorizing the Governor to incorporate the Lackawanna and Susquehanna Kaih'oad Company.

    Act 128 of 1856 · P.L. 110 · March 12, 1856 · Scanned page

  22. Eelating to Elections in the city of Erie.,

    Act 129 of 1856 · P.L. 111 · March 12, 1856 · Scanned page

  23. For the relief of the widow of Joseph C. Channell, of Lancaster county, deceased.

    Act 130 of 1856 · P.L. 111 · March 12, 1856 · Scanned page

  24. Authorizing the Canal Commissioners to examine the claims of James Kerr and Jonathan M'Millin, contractors on the Erie Extension, Pennsyl- : vania Canal.;

    Act of 1856 · P.L. 112 · 1856 · Scanned page

  25. Supplement to an act prohibiting persons from throwing sh\bs in Red Bank creek and its navigable tributaries; and to incorporate a Company to build a Toll Bridge over the Allegheny river, at Emlenton, in Venango county, approved April filth, one thousand eight hundred and forty-nine.

    Act of 1856 · P.L. 113 · March 12, 1856 · Scanned page

  26. Supplementary to an act to incorporate the Limerick and Colebrcokdale Turnpike Road Company, passed the fifteenth day of Marcli, one thousand eight hundred and forty-seven, and tlie supplement thereto.

    Act 133 of 1856 · P.L. 114 · March 12, 1856 · Scanned page

  27. Relating to the claim of Thomas Allen.

    Act 134 of 1856 · P.L. 114 · March 12, 1856 · Scanned page

  28. To tbe act incorporating the Philadelphia and Delaware River Railroad Company.

    Act 135 of 1856 · P.L. 115 · March 12, 1856 · Scanned page

  29. Supplement to the act to authorize the New York and Erie Railroad Company to construct said road through Susquehanna county.

    Act 137 of 1856 · P.L. 116 · March 12, 1856 · Scanned page

  30. For the relief of Margaret Carter, widow of Thomas Carter, a soldier of Revolutionary war.

    Act 138 of 1856 · P.L. 116 · March 12, 1856 · Scanned page

  31. Supplement to the act incorporating the Nicholson Run and Pine Swamp Railroad Company, approved the eighteenth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight liundred and fifty-three.

    Act 139 of 1856 · P.L. 117 · March 13, 1856 · Scanned page

  32. To protect Fruit and punish Trespass in this Commonwealth.

    Act 140 of 1856 · P.L. 118 · March 14, 1856 · Scanned page

  33. To increase the Revenue of the borough of Columbia, in Lancaster county.

    Act 141 of 1856 · P.L. 119 · March 14, 1856 · Scanned page

  34. To incorporate the Butler House Hotel Company.

    Act 142 of 1856 · P.L. 119 · March 14, 1856 · Scanned page

  35. Supplement to an act to incorporate the borough of Reading, Berks coiir.ty, into a city, approved March sixteentli, one thousand eight hundred and loity

    Act 143 of 1856 · P.L. 121 · March 15, 1856 · Scanned page

  36. To widen Palmer street, between Beach street and Delaware avenue, ia the city of Philadelphia.

    Act 144 of 1856 · P.L. 122 · March 15, 1856 · Scanned page

  37. To establish a public ferry on the Susquehanna river, between Safe Harbor, in Lancaster county, and Lockport, in Tork county.

    Act 145 of 1856 · P.L. 122 · February 15, 1856 · Scanned page

  38. Supplement to an act to establish a Seminary by the name of Ilaverford School Association, approved the fourth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three.

    Act 146 of 1856 · P.L. 123 · March 15, 1856 · Scanned page

  39. Supplement to an act establishing an Academy at Carmichaelstown, in the coHnty of Greene.

    Act 147 of 1856 · P.L. 124 · March 15, 1856 · Scanned page

  40. Authorizing the School Directors of the borough of Titusville, in the county of Crawford, to borrow money, and for other purposes.

    Act 148 of 1856 · P.L. 124 · 1856 · Scanned page

  41. Providing for the dissolution of tlie Humaiae societjof Philaclolphia, and the transfer of its funds to the Pennsylvania Hospital.

    Act 149 of 1856 · P.L. 125 · March 17, 1856 · Scanned page

  42. Relative t-o Subscriptions of Stock in Raih-oad Companies in AUcglicny and Washington counties.

    Act 151 of 1856 · P.L. 127 · March 17, 1856 · Scanned page

  43. To incorporate the Buffalo and Bradford Railroad Company.

    Act 152 of 1856 · P.L. 128 · March 14, 1856 · Scanned page

  44. Tc provide for the Management of the Estate of Daniel Ebert, of the county of York.

    Act 153 of 1856 · P.L. 129 · March 17, 1856 · Scanned page

  45. Supplement to the act incorporating the borough of Bloomfield.

    Act 154 of 1856 · P.L. 132 · March 18, 1856 · Scanned page

  46. Authorizing the Washington and Pittsburg Turnpike Road Company, by its sequestrator, to transfer certain portions of said road.

    Act 155 of 1856 · P.L. 132 · March 19, 1856 · Scanned page

  47. Supplement to an act to authorize the Commissioners of Chester county to borrow money, approved the fifth day of May, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-four.

    Act 156 of 1856 · P.L. 133 · March 19, 1856 · Scanned page

  48. Supplement to an act authorizing the Board of School Directors of the borough of Washington to borrow money.

    Act 157 of 1856 · P.L. 134 · March 19, 1856 · Scanned page

  49. Authorizing the settlement by township auditors of the account of John Itf. M'Candless, late superintendent of the Butler and Mercer turnpike road.

    Act 158 of 1856 · P.L. 134 · March 19, 1856 · Scanned page

  50. Supplement to the act incorporating the "Western Pennsylvania Hospital.

    Act 159 of 1856 · P.L. 135 · 1856 · Scanned page

  51. Regulating the manner of Voting at the General Elections, and the time of closing the several elections in the county of Montgomery.

    Act 160 of 1856 · P.L. 136 · March 19, 1856 · Scanned page

  52. For the raore effectual preservation of life and property from damages by the explosion of gunpowder and gun cotton, in the city of Philadelphia.

    Act 161 of 1856 · P.L. 137 · 1856 · Scanned page

  53. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Conestoga and Beaver Valley Turnpike Road Company.

    Act 162 of 1856 · P.L. 139 · March 20, 1856 · Scanned page

  54. Relative to a further supplement to an act to incorporate the Kensington Gas Company of the county of Philadelphia, passed April twenty-first, one thousand eight hundred and fitly-five.

    Act 163 of 1856 · P.L. 140 · March 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  55. Supplement to an act incorporating the Cedar Hill Cemetery Company of the city of rhiladelphia, (late county,) approved March twenty-fifth, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-four.

    Act 164 of 1856 · P.L. 141 · March 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  56. To the cliartcr of the Allentown Iron

    Act 166 of 1856 · P.L. 142 · March 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  57. To authorize the Court of Common Pleas of Crawford county to summon a Jury from an adjoining county or counties to try the case of the Directors of the Poor, and of the House of Employment, verstis James A. MTadden and Joseph Balliet.

    Act 167 of 1856 · P.L. 143 · March 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  58. Supplement to an act to incorporate Ciirwensville, in Pike township, Clearfield county, into a borough, approved the third day of February, Anno Domini one thousand eiglit hundred and fifty-one.

    Act 168 of 1856 · P.L. 144 · March 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  59. Authorising tlie Canal Commissioners to examine the claim of George Myers for damages.

    Act 169 of 1856 · P.L. 145 · March 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  60. Supplement to the act incorporating the Hollidsiysburg and Bedford Plank Road Conv pany.

    Act 170 of 1856 · P.L. 145 · March 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  61. To authorize the Canal Commissioners to examine the claim of George Losh,

    Act 171 of 1856 · P.L. 146 · March 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  62. Relating to the Catasauqna and FoglesvHle Railroad Company. Wheheas, The Catasauqua and Foglesville railroad company neglected to hold an election for officers on the first Monday of November, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, and the officers previously elected have continued to act as said officers; therefore.

    Act 173 of 1856 · P.L. 147 · March 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  63. Relating to the Estates of Decedents and Minora in the county of Lawrence.

    Act 174 of 1856 · P.L. 148 · March 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  64. Supplement to an act to authorize the Governor to incorporate a company to erect a bridge over the Allegheny river, at or near Shaipsburg, Allegheny county, approved the thirteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight. Section

    Act 175 of 1856 · P.L. 149 · March 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  65. Appointing commissioners to lav out and open a State Road in the counties of Iki'Kean and Elk.

    Act 177 of 1856 · P.L. 151 · March 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  66. Limiting the income of certain Charitable Institutions.

    Act 178 of 1856 · P.L. 152 · March 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  67. To incorporate the Barndtsville and Hilltown Turnpike Road Company.

    Act 180 of 1856 · P.L. 154 · March 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  68. Aifhorizing the laying out of a cerfain road in Fulton and Huntingdon counties.

    Act 181 of 1856 · P.L. 155 · March 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  69. Incorporating tie Sugar and Limestone Valley Turnpike Road Company.

    Act 182 of 1856 · P.L. 157 · March 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  70. To extend the time for completing the Butler and Freeport Turnpike Road.

    Act 183 of 1856 · P.L. 158 · March 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  71. To authorize the laying out of a Sttite Road fiom Reverend Ehrcnfeldt'g, in Armstrong county, to Alexander Miller's, in Westmoreland county.

    Act 184 of 1856 · P.L. 158 · March 24, 1856 · Scanned page

  72. To [in act to establish a Feny over the river Susquehanna, at or near Ulster, • in Bradford county.

    Act 185 of 1856 · P.L. 160 · March 24, 1856 · Scanned page

  73. Authorizing the County Commissioners of Cumberland county, to erect a Bridge over the Conodogwinnet creek.

    Act 187 of 1856 · P.L. 161 · March 24, 1856 · Scanned page

  74. To lay oat a State Road from the borough of Franklin, Venango county, to Cochranton, in Crawford county.

    Act 188 of 1856 · P.L. 162 · March 24, 1856 · Scanned page

  75. To authorize the erection of Piers in Buffalo creek, Union county. -f'iSECTioN 1.

    Act 189 of 1856 · P.L. 163 · March 24, 1856 · Scanned page

  76. To authorize the School Directors of the borough of Pine Grove, in the county of Schuylkill, to borrow money.

    Act 191 of 1856 · P.L. 165 · March 24, 1856 · Scanned page

  77. Supplement to an act passed the sixteenth day of June, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-six, entitled <'An Act to authorize Suit to be brought on th« Official Bond of William B. Mitchell, late Superintendent.

    Act 192 of 1856 · P.L. 166 · March 24, 1856 · Scanned page

  78. Ta an set incoipoiaHnf the Tillage of Bethlehem, in tbe county of Kon thampton, Into a boroni^, passed sixth day of March, Anno DomU <»• thousand eight hundred and forty-flve.

    Act 193 of 1856 · P.L. 166 · March 17, 1856 · Scanned page

  79. Authorizing the Brigade Inspector of the First Brigade Twelfth Division, Pennsylvania Militia, to settle and adjust the accounts of said brigade.

    Act 194 of 1856 · P.L. 167 · March 24, 1856 · Scanned page

  80. Supplement to the act to incorporate the Seamen's Saving Fund Society of Philadelphia, approved the twenty-seventh day of Apiil, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five.

    Act 195 of 1856 · P.L. 168 · March 24, 1856 · Scanned page

  81. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Allegheny and New Brighton Plank Road Company, approved twenty-fifth of May, Anno Domini one thouaand eight hundred and fifty-four.

    Act 196 of 1856 · P.L. 168 · March 24, 1856 · Scanned page

  82. To authorize the consolidation of the Treverton and Susquehanna Railroad Company, and the Mahanoy and Shamokin Improvement Company.

    Act 197 of 1856 · P.L. 169 · March 24, 1856 · Scanned page

  83. Supplement to an act incorporating the Northern Central Railway Company.

    Act 198 of 1856 · P.L. 172 · March 24, 1856 · Scanned page

  84. To incorporate the Glendon Leliigh Bridge Company.

    Act 199 of 1856 · P.L. 173 · March 17, 1856 · Scanned page

  85. Supplement to an act relating to hawkers and pedlers in the counties of Lehigh, Dauphin, Sullivan, Wyoming and Bucks, approved April twentieth, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-four.

    Act 200 of 1856 · P.L. 173 · March 25, 1856 · Scanned page

  86. To authorize the Canal Commissioners to examine the claim of J. M.

    Act 201 of 1856 · P.L. 174 · March 25, 1856 · Scanned page

  87. Supplement to an act relating to the finances of Berks county, approved April twenty. sixth, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and iiity-five.

    Act 202 of 1856 · P.L. 175 · March 17, 1856 · Scanned page

  88. Supplementary to an act to prevent Waste in certain cases in this Commonwealth.

    Act 204 of 1856 · P.L. 176 · March 25, 1856 · Scanned page

  89. To incoi-porate the Wyoming Coal and Iron Company.

    Act 205 of 1856 · P.L. 177 · March 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  90. For the relief of Mrs Eliza Fleck, widow of John Fleck.

    Act 206 of 1856 · P.L. 179 · March 27, 1856 · Scanned page

  91. Supplement to an act to incorporate the President, Managers and Company of the Foxchase and Huntingdon Turnpike Road Companj', approved the twentyeighth day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and forty-six.

    Act 207 of 1856 · P.L. 180 · March 29, 1856 · Scanned page

  92. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to provide for the election of Prothonotaries, Clerks, Recorders and Registers," approved the second day of July, ons thousand eight hundred and thirty-nine.

    Act 209 of 1856 · P.L. 181 · March 29, 1856 · Scanned page

  93. Relative to the taxation of moneys at interest in the borough of Doylestowrij. Bucks county.

    Act 210 of 1856 · P.L. 182 · March 29, 1856 · Scanned page

  94. Supplementary to an act to estaV>lish a Board of Health, and to secure the cit}' and port of Pittsburg from the introduction of pestilential and contagious diseases, and other purposes.

    Act 212 of 1856 · P.L. 183 · March 29, 1856 · Scanned page

  95. To establish a Public Ferry across the Siunamahoning creek, in the county of Clinton.

    Act 213 of 1856 · P.L. 183 · March 29, 1856 · Scanned page

  96. To incorporate the Bellefonte and Junction Turnpike Road Company.

    Act 214 of 1856 · P.L. 184 · March 29, 1856 · Scanned page

  97. Supplement to an act to provide for the election of Prothonotaries, Clerks. Recorders and Registers, approved the second day of July, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-nine.

    Act 215 of 1856 · P.L. 185 · March 29, 1856 · Scanned page

  98. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Metropolitan Insurance Association of Pennsylvania.

    Act 216 of 1856 · P.L. 186 · March 29, 1856 · Scanned page

  99. Fixing the time of meeting, and the compensation of Auditors of the borough Kittauniug.

    Act 217 of 1856 · P.L. 187 · March 29, 1856 · Scanned page

  100. Authorizing the State Treasurer to pay the claim of John "Wallower and Son.

    Act 218 of 1856 · P.L. 188 · March 29, 1856 · 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.