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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. For the relief of the heirs of George Ziegler, deceased, late collector of tolls on the i'ennsylvania canal.

    Act of 1856 · P.L. 189 · March 29, 1856 · Scanned page

  2. Supplement to the act to incorporate the Ohio River Improvement Company.

    Act 221 of 1856 · P.L. 189 · March 29, 1856 · Scanned page

  3. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Wilkesbarre Coal Company, approved the twelfth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and forty-nine.

    Act 222 of 1856 · P.L. 190 · March 29, 1856 · Scanned page

  4. Authorising the Canal Commissioners to examine the claim of Campbell, Simpson & Co., for work done on the ISorth Branch division of tht Pennsylvania canal.

    Act 223 of 1856 · P.L. 190 · March 29, 1856 · Scanned page

  5. To regulate the time of holding the several Courts of the county of Montour.

    Act 225 of 1856 · P.L. 192 · March 29, 1856 · Scanned page

  6. Authorizing the Inspectors of the Prison, and Directors of the Almshouse, of Lancaster county, to elect a Moral Instructor.

    Act 226 of 1856 · P.L. 192 · March 29, 1856 · Scanned page

  7. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Wellsborough and Tioga Plank Koad Company, et cetera.

    Act 227 of 1856 · P.L. 193 · 1856 · Scanned page

  8. Supplement to an act to authorize the Governor to incorporate the Glenn Hope and Little Bald Eagle Turnpike Road Company.

    Act 228 of 1856 · P.L. 193 · 1856 · Scanned page

  9. To the charter of the "West Ward Water Company of Eastoc.

    Act 230 of 1856 · P.L. 196 · March 31, 1856 · Scanned page

  10. Supplement to the act incorporating the Williamsport and Elrnira Railroad Company.

    Act 231 of 1856 · P.L. 197 · March 31, 1856 · Scanned page

  11. To authorize the appointment of an Auctioneer in the borough of Danville, ( in Montour county.

    Act 232 of 1856 · P.L. 199 · March 31, 1856 · Scanned page

  12. To Regulate the Sale of Intoxicating Liquors.

    Act 233 of 1856 · P.L. 200 · March 31, 1856 · Scanned page

  13. To incorporate the Oxford Park Association.

    Act 234 of 1856 · P.L. 209 · March 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  14. To autlioiize the burgess and town council of Lewistown, to subscribe stock to the Lewistown Gas Company.

    Act 235 of 1856 · P.L. 211 · April 2, 1856 · Scanned page

  15. To provide for the incorporation of Insurance Companies.

    Act 236 of 1856 · P.L. 211 · April 2, 1856 · Scanned page

  16. Relative to the Catawissa, Williamsport and Erie Railroad.

    Act 237 of 1856 · P.L. 217 · April 2, 1856 · Scanned page

  17. To repeal an act relative to tlie Coroners of Berks and Lancaster counties, as far as the same relates to Berks county.

    Act 238 of 1856 · P.L. 219 · April 2, 1856 · Scanned page

  18. Relative to Service of Process.

    Act 239 of 1856 · P.L. 219 · April 2, 1856 · Scanned page

  19. To incorporate the Girard Railroad Company.

    Act 210 of 1856 · P.L. 220 · April 1, 1856 · Scanned page

  20. Relative to the North Pennsylvania Coal Company.

    Act 241 of 1856 · P.L. 221 · April 2, 1856 · Scanned page

  21. To change the Venue in a certain case from Fulton to Franklin county.

    Act 242 of 1856 · P.L. 222 · April 2, 1856 · Scanned page

  22. Supplement to the act of twenty-second of February, one thousand eight hundred and twenty-one, entitled " An Act to alter and amend the fee bill.

    Act 243 of 1856 · P.L. 223 · April 2, 1856 · Scanned page

  23. Relative to the Road Laws of Tremont township, in the county of Schuylkill.

    Act 244 of 1856 · P.L. 224 · April 2, 1856 · Scanned page

  24. Supplement to an act relating to the borough of Wilkesbarre, approved the fifth day of May, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five.

    Act 245 of 1856 · P.L. 225 · April 2, 1856 · Scanned page

  25. Relative to the Barryville and Shohola Suspension Bridge Company.

    Act 246 of 1856 · P.L. 225 · April 3, 1856 · Scanned page

  26. To incorporate the Philadelphia Musical, Saving and Loan Societv.

    Act 247 of 1856 · P.L. 226 · April 3, 1856 · Scanned page

  27. Relative to the Assessment of Damages done Washington and Pascal Yearsley, ibeir lieirs or assigns.

    Act 248 of 1856 · P.L. 227 · April 3, 1856 · Scanned page

  28. Authorizing the Payment of the Claim of Willard Jackson, of "Wyoming county.

    Act 249 of 1856 · P.L. 228 · April 3, 1856 · Scanned page

  29. To incorporate the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery.

    Act 250 of 1856 · P.L. 228 · April 3, 1856 · Scanned page

  30. To incorporate the Pottstown Gas Company, in the county of Montgomery.

    Act 251 of 1856 · P.L. 229 · March 7, 1856 · Scanned page

  31. Relative to the Feasterville and Bridgetown Turnpike Company.

    Act 252 of 1856 · P.L. 232 · April 4, 1856 · Scanned page

  32. To incorporate the Locust Grove Episcopal Female Seminary.

    Act 253 of 1856 · P.L. 233 · April 4, 1856 · Scanned page

  33. Relating to Agricultural, Horticultural, and Floral Exhibitions.

    Act 2 of 1856 · P.L. 234 · April 4, 1856 · Scanned page

  34. To a.n act to incorjjorate the Saving Fund Society of Germantown and its vicinity. Section' 1.

    Act of 1856 · P.L. 235 · 1856 · Scanned page

  35. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Saying Fund Society of Germantown and its Ticinity.

    Act 255 of 1856 · P.L. 235 · April 4, 1856 · Scanned page

  36. Supplement to an act to anthnrize the Governor to incorporate the Pittsburg Bridge Company, ayiproved April sixth, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five.

    Act 256 of 1856 · P.L. 235 · April 4, 1856 · Scanned page

  37. For the relief of Mary M.

    Act 157 of 1856 · P.L. 236 · April 4, 1856 · Scanned page

  38. For the payment of the claim of William Shultz.

    Act 258 of 1856 · P.L. 236 · April 4, 1856 · Scanned page

  39. To aa act to incorporate the Lewisburg, Centre and Spruce Creek Railroad Company.

    Act 259 of 1856 · P.L. 237 · April 4, 1856 · Scanned page

  40. To change the name of the York County Artillery, of York

    Act of 1856 · P.L. 238 · April 4, 1856 · Scanned page

  41. To authorize the Board of Canal Commissioners to oxaraine the claim of Casper Dull, for damages.

    Act 260 of 1856 · P.L. 238 · April 4, 1856 · Scanned page

  42. To incorporate the Philadelphia and Providence Transportation Company.

    Act of 1856 · P.L. 239 · April 4, 1856 · Scanned page

  43. Supplement to the act incorporating the Emlington and Shippenville Turnpike Road Company.

    Act 263 of 1856 · P.L. 240 · April 4, 1856 · Scanned page

  44. To s.'a act authorizing the Governor to incorporate the Millers Run and Cross Creek Valley Flank Road Company.

    Act 264 of 1856 · P.L. 241 · 1856 · Scanned page

  45. to the Harrlslmrg, Portamooth, Mount Joy and Lancaster Baflroad Company.

    Act 265 of 1856 · P.L. 241 · April 4, 1856 · Scanned page

  46. To extend the Limits of the borough of Mercer.

    Act 266 of 1856 · P.L. 242 · April 4, 1856 · Scanned page

  47. For the relief of Rachel Posey, widow of a soldier of the Revolutionary war.

    Act 267 of 1856 · P.L. 243 · April 4, 1856 · Scanned page

  48. Authorizing the laying out of a State Road in Conyngham township, Columbia county, and in Union township, Schuylkill county.

    Act 268 of 1856 · P.L. 243 · April 4, 1856 · Scanned page

  49. Appointing commissioners to lay out and open a road tbrougli Ilamlin toi=iaship, iu the county of

    Act 269 of 1856 · P.L. 244 · April 4, 1856 · Scanned page

  50. Supplement to the act to incorporate Dickinson Seminary, at Williamsport, approved the nineteenth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and forty-nine.

    Act 270 of 1856 · P.L. 246 · April 4, 1856 · Scanned page

  51. Supplement to an act to revise the Militia System, and provide for the training of such only as sluiU be Uiiifornieil, :i])[)rove(l Ajuil scventeerith, Auno Domini one thousand eight hundred and forty-nine.

    Act of 1856 · P.L. 248 · April 4, 1856 · Scanned page

  52. Supplement to an act to revise the Militia Sjstem, and provide for the training of snch only as shall be Uniformed, approved April seventeenth. Anno Domioi one thouBaod eight handred and forty-nine.

    Act 272 of 1856 · P.L. 248 · 1856 · Scanned page

  53. To incorporate the Fallen Timber Plank Road Company.

    Act of 1856 · P.L. 250 · April 4, 1856 · Scanned page

  54. Relative to the claim of Lucas ICilpatrick, late of the county of Northampton, deceased.

    Act 275 of 1856 · P.L. 251 · April 4, 1856 · Scanned page

  55. To incorporate the Chester Gas Company.

    Act 276 of 1856 · P.L. 251 · April 4, 1856 · Scanned page

  56. To incorporate the Cousolidated Coal

    Act 277 of 1856 · P.L. 253 · April 1, 1856 · Scanned page

  57. incorporate the Chambersburg Gas Company.

    Act 278 of 1856 · P.L. 256 · April 4, 1856 · Scanned page

  58. To incorporate the Allegheny Navigation Company.

    Act 279 of 1856 · P.L. 259 · March 29, 1856 · Scanned page

  59. In relation to Public Printing.

    Act 280 of 1856 · P.L. 262 · April 9, 1856 · Scanned page

  60. To provide for the erection of a Public Town Hall in Mifflin township, Allegheny county.

    Act of 1856 · P.L. 268 · April 9, 1856 · Scanned page

  61. For the relief of Elizabeth Betz, widow of Peter Betz, a soldier in the Revolutionary war.

    Act 283 of 1856 · P.L. 271 · April 9, 1856 · Scanned page

  62. To change the time of lioiding the January terra of the conits in Berks county.

    Act 284 of 1856 · P.L. 272 · April 9, 1856 · Scanned page

  63. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Spring Garden Insurance Compnny of the county ol Philadelphia.

    Act 285 of 1856 · P.L. 272 · April 9, 1856 · Scanned page

  64. To incorporate the Saxton and Morrison's Cove Turnpike Road Company.

    Act 286 of 1856 · P.L. 273 · April 9, 1856 · Scanned page

  65. to the school district of Upper Tulpelioecorr tovraship.

    Act 287 of 1856 · P.L. 274 · April 9, 1856 · Scanned page

  66. To repeal an act in relation to the Scliool District of the borough of Lawrenceville, Tioga county, approved the eighteenth day of May, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-four.

    Act 288 of 1856 · P.L. 275 · April 9, 1856 · Scanned page

  67. Legalizing investments of Bonds or Certificates of Debts created by the borough of Allentown, in the county of Lehigh, in certain cases.

    Act 289 of 1856 · P.L. 275 · April 9, 1856 · Scanned page

  68. To authorize the burgess and town council of the borough of New Castle to subscribe stock to the New Castle Gas Light Company.

    Act 290 of 1856 · P.L. 276 · April 9, 1856 · Scanned page

  69. To incorporate the Infantry Corps of National Gnards of the city of Phikdelphia.

    Act 291 of 1856 · P.L. 276 · April 9, 1856 · Scanned page

  70. Relative to Huckstering in the counties of Berks and Lebanon.

    Act 292 of 1856 · P.L. 278 · April 9, 1856 · Scanned page

  71. Authorizing the sale of the Bald Eagle Bridge, in Clinton county.

    Act 293 of 1856 · P.L. 278 · April 9, 1856 · Scanned page

  72. Supplement to the act incorporating the Manheim, Petersburg and Lancaster Turnpike or Plank Road Company.

    Act 294 of 1856 · P.L. 279 · April 9, 1856 · Scanned page

  73. To preserve the Health of the boroagb of Kittanning.

    Act 295 of 1856 · P.L. 280 · April 9, 1856 · Scanned page

  74. Relative to the time of h:>lding courts in Fayette county.

    Act 297 of 1856 · P.L. 282 · April 9, 1856 · Scanned page

  75. To authorize the Sheriff and Commissioners of "Washington county to select Jurors.

    Act 298 of 1856 · P.L. 282 · April 9, 1856 · Scanned page

  76. Supplemental to an act, entitled "An Act to enaWe Joint Tenants, Tenants in Common, and Adjoining Owners of mineral lands in this Commonwealth, to managa and develop the same," approved the twenty-first day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and flfty-four.

    Act 299 of 1856 · P.L. 283 · April 9, 1856 · Scanned page

  77. Relative to Agencies of Foreign Insurance, Trust and Annuity Companies.

    Act 300 of 1856 · P.L. 284 · April 9, 1856 · Scanned page

  78. Supplement to an act, entitled " An Act regulating Railroad Companies," approved the nineteenth day of February, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and forty-nine.

    Act 301 of 1856 · P.L. 288 · April 9, 1856 · Scanned page

  79. Supplement to an act to authorize the Governor to incorporate a company to erect a Bridge over the Allgeheny river, at or near Sharpsburg, Allegheny county, approved the twenty-first day of March, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-six.

    Act 302 of 1856 · P.L. 289 · April 9, 1856 · Scanned page

  80. To establish a nniform standard for the measurement of unslaked Ihne, in the county of Allegheny. f^ECTioN 1.

    Act 303 of 1856 · P.L. 290 · April 9, 1856 · Scanned page

  81. For the relief of John Founds.

    Act 304 of 1856 · P.L. 291 · April 9, 1856 · Scanned page

  82. To legalize an election in Franklin township, Washington county.

    Act 305 of 1856 · P.L. 291 · April 9, 1856 · Scanned page

  83. To repeal an act, entitled " An Act regulating the mode of voting at special, township, borough and general elections, in Beaver and Lawrence counties," passed the fifth day of May, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-four.

    Act of 1856 · P.L. 292 · April 9, 1856 · Scanned page

  84. To the acts relating to incorporations by the Courts of Common Pleas.

    Act 308 of 1856 · P.L. 293 · April 9, 1856 · Scanned page

  85. Supplement to an act more effectually to preserve the Public Grounds and Public Buildings of the Commonwealth, approved tenth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and forty-nine.

    Act 309 of 1856 · P.L. 293 · April 9, 1856 · Scanned page

  86. Relative to Commissioners of Deeds.

    Act 310 of 1856 · P.L. 294 · April 9, 1856 · Scanned page

  87. Supplement to an act incorporating the borough of Newport.

    Act 311 of 1856 · P.L. 295 · April 9, 1856 · Scanned page

  88. To incorporate the Reading and Lehigh Railroad Company.

    Act 312 of 1856 · P.L. 295 · March 9, 1856 · Scanned page

  89. Supplement to the act to enable the tnistoes nn(^er the will of Catharine Yolie, deceased, to sell and convey certain real estate.

    Act 313 of 1856 · P.L. 297 · April 9, 1856 · Scanned page

  90. Supplement to an act to provide for an equitable division of the taxes paid annually bj the Delaware Coal Company, towards the support of Common Schools.

    Act 314 of 1856 · P.L. 298 · April 9, 1856 · Scanned page

  91. Supplement to the act incorporating the PhiUdelphia and "West Chester Turnpike Road Company.

    Act 315 of 1856 · P.L. 299 · April 10, 1856 · Scanned page

  92. To incorporate the "Wyoming Avenue Plank Road Company.

    Act 316 of 1856 · P.L. 300 · April 10, 1856 · Scanned page

  93. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Hollidaysburg Water and Gas Companj^, approved the sixteenth dajof March, one tliousand eight hundred and fifty-four.

    Act 317 of 1856 · P.L. 301 · April 10, 1856 · Scanned page

  94. Supplement to the act incorporating tbe North "Western Railroad Company.

    Act 318 of 1856 · P.L. 302 · April 10, 1856 · Scanned page

  95. Supplement to an act passed the second day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, entitled " An Act to erect a new county of part of Union, to be called Snyder."

    Act 319 of 1856 · P.L. 302 · April 11, 1856 · Scanned page

  96. To change the time of holding the courts in "Warren count}for June term, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-six.

    Act 320 of 1856 · P.L. 304 · April 11, 1856 · Scanned page

  97. To the acts providing for the entering of satisfaction on Judgments and Mortgages.

    Act 321 of 1856 · P.L. 304 · April 11, 1856 · Scanned page

  98. Relative to the time of holding the several Courts of Clearfield county.

    Act 322 of 1856 · P.L. 305 · April 11, 1856 · Scanned page

  99. To incorporate the Home for destitute Colored Children.

    Act 323 of 1856 · P.L. 305 · April 11, 1856 · Scanned page

  100. Supplement to the act incorporating the Easton, Belvidere, Delaware Water Gap and Stroudsburg Telegraph Company.

    Act 324 of 1856 · P.L. 306 · April 11, 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.