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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. Authorising the Canal Commissioners to open and examine the accounts of Sampson and Smith.

    Act 433 of 1856 · P.L. 413 · April 18, 1856 · Scanned page

  2. Concerning roads and highways in the county of Crawford.

    Act 434 of 1856 · P.L. 414 · April 18, 1856 · Scanned page

  3. Supplement to an act authorizing the laying out of a certain Road in Fulton and Huntingdon counties.

    Act 435 of 1856 · P.L. 414 · April 18, 1856 · Scanned page

  4. To lay out a state road from Uniontown, in Fayette connty, to Mount Pleasant, in Westmoreland county.

    Act 436 of 1856 · P.L. 415 · April 18, 1856 · Scanned page

  5. To incorporate the Tork Furnace and Harford County Turnpike Companj.

    Act 437 of 1856 · P.L. 416 · April 18, 1856 · Scanned page

  6. To authorize the supervisors and school directors of Rockdale, Ciawford county, to build a town house.

    Act 438 of 1856 · P.L. 417 · April 18, 1856 · Scanned page

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

    Act 441 of 1856 · P.L. 419 · April 18, 1856 · Scanned page

  8. Relative to the Markets in North Second street, in the city of Philadelphia.

    Act 442 of 1856 · P.L. 420 · April 18, 1856 · Scanned page

  9. To authorize the Canai Commissioners to examine the claim of John S. Young for damages.

    Act 443 of 1856 · P.L. 421 · April 18, 1856 · Scanned page

  10. To appoint commissioners to view and lay out a state road in Warren and Crawford counties.

    Act 444 of 1856 · P.L. 421 · April 18, 1856 · Scanned page

  11. For the relief of Joshua Walton.

    Act 445 of 1856 · P.L. 423 · April 18, 1856 · Scanned page

  12. Relative to the terms of Conrt in the county of Snyder.

    Act 446 of 1856 · P.L. 423 · April 18, 1856 · Scanned page

  13. Supplement to an act relative to Land and Building Associations, approved the seventh day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fiftythree.

    Act 447 of 1856 · P.L. 424 · April 18, 1856 · Scanned page

  14. To vacate a certain alley in the borough of Columbia.

    Act 448 of 1856 · P.L. 425 · April 18, 1856 · Scanned page

  15. To legalize the election of John S. Green as a Justice of the Peace in the borough of Laporte, in the county of

    Act 449 of 1856 · P.L. 425 · April 18, 1856 · Scanned page

  16. Supplement to the act incorporating the Delaware and Schuylkill Plank Road company, et cetera, passed the twenty-sixth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and fifty.

    Act 450 of 1856 · P.L. 426 · April 18, 1856 · Scanned page

  17. To incorporate the Bristol Gas Light Company.

    Act 452 of 1856 · P.L. 427 · March 29, 1856 · Scanned page

  18. Supplement to an act authorizing the governor to incorporate a company to erect a bridge over the Monongahela river, at the borough of Birmingham, in the county of Allegheny, with power to construct a turnpike road from the south end of Denman street, in said borough, to intersect the Monongahela and Coal Hill turnpike road, approved the third day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven.

    Act 4 of 1856 · P.L. 430 · April 9, 1856 · Scanned page

  19. To incorporate the Carbon Mutual Insurance Company.

    Act 454 of 1856 · P.L. 431 · April 15, 1856 · Scanned page

  20. To incorporate the Birmingham Gas Company, in the county of Allegheny.

    Act 455 of 1856 · P.L. 432 · April 15, 1856 · Scanned page

  21. Authorizing the incorporation of a Company for the building of a Toll Bridge over the river Lehigh, at or near the town of Rockport, in Carbon county.

    Act of 1856 · P.L. 435 · April 15, 1856 · Scanned page

  22. To incorporate the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Companj' of West Penn, East Fenn, and East Brunswick and Mahoning townships, in the counties of Carbon and Schuylkill, state of Pennsylvania.

    Act of 1856 · P.L. 436 · April 18, 1856 · Scanned page

  23. To authorize tlie Governor to incorporate the Boyersiown Water compaiij.

    Act of 1856 · P.L. 440 · April 18, 1856 · Scanned page

  24. Supplement to the act to incorporate the Odd Fellows Mutual Insurance Company, passed the twelfth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-one.

    Act 460 of 1856 · P.L. 445 · March 24, 1856 · Scanned page

  25. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Pennsylvania Railroad Compan.y, passed April, thirteenth, one thousand eight hundred and forty

    Act 461 of 1856 · P.L. 447 · April 18, 1856 · Scanned page

  26. For the relief of George Hollock.

    Act 462 of 1856 · P.L. 448 · April 18, 1856 · Scanned page

  27. Supplement to an act to extend the charter of the Miners' Bank of Pottsville, in the county of Schuylkill, approved the eighth day of May, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty.

    Act 463 of 1856 · P.L. 449 · April 18, 1856 · Scanned page

  28. Supplement to an act, entitled " An Act to incorporate the Montrose and Harford Plank Road Company.

    Act 464 of 1856 · P.L. 449 · April 19, 1856 · Scanned page

  29. Supplement to the act to provide for the erection of a house for the employment and support of the poor of the county of Bedford, approved March first, one thousand eight hundred and forty-one.

    Act of 1856 · P.L. 451 · April 19, 1856 · Scanned page

  30. For the relief of Rennes Henegan.

    Act of 1856 · P.L. 452 · April 19, 1856 · Scanned page

  31. Authorizing the laying out of a State Road from the Twenty-fourth ward in the city of Philadelphia, to the Spring Mill road, at or near its intersection with the Conshohocken road, in Montgomery county.

    Act 468 of 1856 · P.L. 452 · April 19, 1856 · Scanned page

  32. Relative t© the borough of

    Act 469 of 1856 · P.L. 454 · April 19, 1856 · Scanned page

  33. Relating to roads in the county of Berks.

    Act 470 of 1856 · P.L. 454 · April 19, 1856 · Scanned page

  34. To vest in the corporation of the city of Philadelphia certam real estate, freed and discharged from certain uses.

    Act 471 of 1856 · P.L. 455 · April 19, 1856 · Scanned page

  35. To the charter of the Consolidated Insurance Company of the city of Philadelphia, approved the twenty -eighth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-four.

    Act 472 of 1856 · P.L. 456 · April 19, 1856 · Scanned page

  36. Supplement to an act establishing an Academy in the borough of Somerset, m the county of Somerset, approved March nineteenth, one thousand eight hundred and ten.

    Act 473 of 1856 · P.L. 456 · April 19, 1856 · Scanned page

  37. Authorizing the erection of a house for township purposes, in Mill Creek township, Erie county.

    Act 474 of 1856 · P.L. 457 · April 19, 1856 · Scanned page

  38. Supplement to the act incorporating the Kittanuing Bridge Company.

    Act 475 of 1856 · P.L. 458 · April 19, 1856 · Scanned page

  39. For the Preservation of the Records of the Courts.

    Act 476 of 1856 · P.L. 458 · April 19, 1856 · Scanned page

  40. Relative to the Coroner of Northampton county.

    Act 478 of 1856 · P.L. 461 · April 19, 1856 · Scanned page

  41. To legitimate Mary Clendening.

    Act 479 of 1856 · P.L. 461 · April 19, 1856 · Scanned page

  42. To authorise the extension of the Chester Valley Railroad and the West Chester Railroad, by the construction of a road to connect the same.

    Act 480 of 1856 · P.L. 462 · April 19, 1856 · Scanned page

  43. Relating to the location of the boundary line between the counties of Carbon and Luzerne.

    Act 481 of 1856 · P.L. 462 · April 19, 1856 · Scanned page

  44. To authorize the appointment of Notaries Pubhc in Luzerne county.

    Act 482 of 1856 · P.L. 464 · April 19, 1856 · Scanned page

  45. Relative to Hawking and Peddling in Clearfield county.

    Act 483 of 1856 · P.L. 464 · April 19, 1856 · Scanned page

  46. To incorporate the Monnt Pleasant and Latrobe Plank and Turnpike Road Company.

    Act 484 of 1856 · P.L. 465 · April 19, 1856 · Scanned page

  47. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Lancaster and Willow Street Turnpike Road Company.

    Act 485 of 1856 · P.L. 466 · April 19, 1856 · Scanned page

  48. Defining the place of keeping the records of the county surveyor of the counties of Washington and Erie, and authorizing the deficiency in the original surveys to be supplied.

    Act of 1856 · P.L. 467 · April 19, 1856 · Scanned page

  49. To aa act incorporating the North Branch Coal and Iron Company, approved March twenty-fifth, one thousand eight hundred and forty-two.

    Act of 1856 · P.L. 468 · April 19, 1856 · Scanned page

  50. To the charter of the Easton Gas Company.

    Act 488 of 1856 · P.L. 468 · April 19, 1856 · Scanned page

  51. Supplement to an act to prevent obstructions to the navigation of Oswayo creek or its tributaries, in the county of I'otter.

    Act 489 of 1856 · P.L. 469 · April 19, 1856 · Scanned page

  52. To prevent the destruction of fish in Cherry creek, Monroe county.

    Act 490 of 1856 · P.L. 470 · April 19, 1856 · Scanned page

  53. Supplement to the act of the twenty-scTenth of May, one thousand eight hundred and forty-one, entitled "An act relating to the Election of County Treasurer, and other purposes.

    Act 491 of 1856 · P.L. 470 · April 19, 1856 · Scanned page

  54. To legalize the election of Borough Officers in the borough of Tunkhannock, Wyoming county.

    Act 492 of 1856 · P.L. 471 · April 19, 1856 · Scanned page

  55. For the sale of that portion of the Pennsylvania Canal sitaate between the south-east end of the tunnel through Grant's hill and the Monongahela river.

    Act 493 of 1856 · P.L. 471 · April 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  56. For tlie relief of Philip P.

    Act 495 of 1856 · P.L. 473 · April 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  57. To vacate part of Hart Lane, in the City of Philadelphia. Section 1.

    Act 496 of 1856 · P.L. 473 · April 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  58. Relating to Justices of the Peace in the borough of Frankliu, in the county of Venango.

    Act 497 of 1856 · P.L. 474 · April 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  59. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Blockley and Merion Plank Road Company, approved the fifth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.

    Act 498 of 1856 · P.L. 474 · April 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  60. To authorize the State Treasurer to pay the claim of Patrick

    Act 499 of 1856 · P.L. 475 · April 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  61. Supplement to the act incorporating the borough of Cassville, passed the third day of March, one thousand eight hundred and fifty

    Act 500 of 1856 · P.L. 475 · April 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  62. Relative to the Borough of Bath.

    Act 501 of 1856 · P.L. 476 · April 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  63. Relative to the sale of Lands for the non-payment of Taxes.

    Act 502 of 1856 · P.L. 477 · 1856 · Scanned page

  64. For the payment of the claim of John Donaldson.

    Act 503 of 1856 · P.L. 478 · April 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  65. Supplement to an act to jtrovide for the construction of a Dara and In-Let Lock at the mouth of Mill creek, in the county of Luzerne, approved April fifth, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five.

    Act 504 of 1856 · P.L. 479 · April 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  66. To repeal an act to improve the Turnpike Road from Indiana to Kittanning.

    Act 505 of 1856 · P.L. 479 · April 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  67. Relative to the license of Carriages, Wagons, Carts, Drays, and othtr vehicles, in the borougli of Birmingham, Allegheny county.

    Act 506 of 1856 · P.L. 480 · April 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  68. To incorporate the Swatara Collegiate Institute.

    Act 507 of 1856 · P.L. 481 · April 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  69. To authorize the Governor to appoint Commissioners to take Acknowledgment of Deeds or other Contracts and Depositions in Foreign countries.

    Act 508 of 1856 · P.L. 484 · April 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  70. To increase the pay of Jurors and Witnesses in the county of Chester.

    Act 509 of 1856 · P.L. 485 · April 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  71. Supplementary to an act to incorporate the City of Lancaster, passed March twenty, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.

    Act 510 of 1856 · P.L. 485 · April 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  72. Supplement to an act rektiog to the sale and conveyance of Real Estate, passed April eighteenth, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.

    Act 511 of 1856 · P.L. 486 · April 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  73. To the charter of the Hockendocqua Bridge Company, in the county of Lehigh, approved April eighth, one thousand eight hundred and fiftyfive.

    Act 513 of 1856 · P.L. 487 · April 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  74. To incorporate the Pennsylvania Musical Institute of Philadelphia.

    Act 514 of 1856 · P.L. 487 · April 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  75. to an act to incorporate the Pottsville Gas Company, ap- Tiroved February twenty-flflb, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred snd fifty

    Act 516 of 1856 · P.L. 487 · April 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  76. Authorizing the Governor and State Treasurer to renew certain Bonds.

    Act 515 of 1856 · P.L. 488 · April 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  77. Relating to the Zerbes Run and Shamokin Improvement Company.

    Act 517 of 1856 · P.L. 490 · April 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  78. To confirm the title to certain Real Estate of George Ireland.

    Act 518 of 1856 · P.L. 491 · April 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  79. Supplement to an act to authorize the Governor to incorporate the Wilkesbarre "Water Company, approved the twelfth February, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty.

    Act 519 of 1856 · P.L. 492 · April 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  80. To provide for a meeting of the School Directors of Bradford county.

    Act 520 of 1856 · P.L. 493 · April 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  81. Regulating Taxes in the township of Elk, in the county of Tioga.

    Act 521 of 1856 · P.L. 493 · April 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  82. Respecting the Estates of non-resident Wards.

    Act 523 of 1856 · P.L. 495 · April 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  83. Supplement to an act relating to the Lien of Mechanics and others upon Buildings, passed the sixteenth day of June, Anno Domini, eighteen hundred and thirty-six.

    Act 52 of 1856 · P.L. 496 · April 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  84. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Butler Coal Company, approved the eighteenth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.

    Act 524 of 1856 · P.L. 496 · April 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  85. Supplement to an act relating to a Burial Ground in the borough of Pottsville.

    Act 526 of 1856 · P.L. 497 · April 19, 1856 · Scanned page

  86. Authorizing Benjamin Parvin, one of the executors of the last will and testament of John Yeich, late of Bern township, Berks county, deceased, to execute and deliver Deeds for a part of the Real Estate of said deceased.

    Act 527 of 1856 · P.L. 498 · April 21, 1856 · Scanned page

  87. Requiring the Deputy Surveyor of M'Kean county to transcribe the survey book of said county.

    Act 528 of 1856 · P.L. 499 · April 22, 1856 · Scanned page

  88. Relating to special courts.

    Act 529 of 1856 · P.L. 500 · April 22, 1856 · Scanned page

  89. For the relief of Maiy "Wilson, widow of Thomas "Wilson, an officer of the war of one thousand eight hundred and twelve.

    Act 530 of 1856 · P.L. 500 · April 22, 1856 · Scanned page

  90. Relative to Roads in the county of Washington.

    Act 531 of 1856 · P.L. 501 · April 22, 1856 · Scanned page

  91. To extend the equity jurisdiction of the Courts of Common Pleas in certain cases. Sectio?j 1.

    Act 532 of 1856 · P.L. 502 · April 22, 1856 · Scanned page

  92. To change the name of the second company of Meagher Guards to Jackson Guards.

    Act 533 of 1856 · P.L. 503 · April 22, 1856 · Scanned page

  93. Relative to the collection of taxes in Pequa township, Lancaster county.

    Act 534 of 1856 · P.L. 503 · April 22, 1856 · Scanned page

  94. To incorporate the Whitehaven and Sandy Creek Plank Road Company.

    Act 535 of 1856 · P.L. 504 · April 22, 1856 · Scanned page

  95. Relating to "Weights and Measures in Lancaster county.

    Act 536 of 1856 · P.L. 505 · April 22, 1856 · Scanned page

  96. To Ihe act antliorizing the sale and purchase of the Falls of Schuylkill Bridge, in the city of Philadelphia, passed the fifth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five.

    Act 537 of 1856 · P.L. 505 · April 22, 1856 · Scanned page

  97. To prevent the Imprisonment of Witnesses in certain cases.

    Act 539 of 1856 · P.L. 506 · April 22, 1856 · Scanned page

  98. To the acts relating to the holding of special courts.

    Act 540 of 1856 · P.L. 507 · April 22, 1856 · Scanned page

  99. To legalize the election of Auditors in the borough of Williamsport, Lycoming county.

    Act 541 of 1856 · P.L. 508 · April 22, 1856 · Scanned page

  100. Eeiative to Streets, Lanes and Alleys in the borough of Pottsrille.

    Act 542 of 1856 · P.L. 509 · April 22, 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.