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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 for the better Preservation of the Records contained in the Public Offices of the several counties of this Commonwealth, approved the tweotyniutb day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and twentyseven.

    Act 402 of 1857 · P.L. 353 · April 28, 1857 · Scanned page

  2. To incorporate the Wa3'nesboro', Quincy, Funkstown and Faycttevillc Turnpike Road Company.

    Act 403 of 1857 · P.L. 354 · April 28, 1857 · Scanned page

  3. Supplement to an act to incorporate the High Mountain Coal and Iron Company, approved April seventeenth, one thousand eight hundred and iifty-six.

    Act of 1857 · P.L. 355 · April 29, 1857 · Scanned page

  4. To authorize the Commissioners of Bedford county to Repair and Transler the Bridge at Hopewell, in siid comity, to the Hopewell and Bloody Run Plank and Turnpike R'oad Company.

    Act 406 of 1857 · P.L. 356 · April 29, 1857 · Scanned page

  5. Repealing part of an act declaring Big Sandy Creek a public highway, passed tweoty-sixth March, one thousand eight hundred and thirteen.

    Act 407 of 1857 · P.L. 357 · April 29, 1857 · Scanned page

  6. Authorizing the citizens of the Twenty-first ward of Philadelphia, to elect a member of the Board of Guardians of the Poor.

    Act 408 of 1857 · P.L. 358 · April 29, 1857 · Scanned page

  7. Kelating to the School Taxes of Walnut Grove School District, in Cumberland county.

    Act 409 of 1857 · P.L. 358 · April 29, 1857 · Scanned page

  8. Supplement to the act incorporating the Thomas Iron Company.

    Act 410 of 1857 · P.L. 359 · April 22, 1857 · Scanned page

  9. To supply the borough of Catasauqua with Water.

    Act 411 of 1857 · P.L. 360 · April 29, 1857 · Scanned page

  10. 'Antborizing the sale of the Real Estate of Thomas H. R. Tracy, deceased.

    Act 413 of 1857 · P.L. 361 · April 18, 1857 · Scanned page

  11. Relative to the Publication and Distribution of the Final Report of the Geological Survey of the State.

    Act 414 of 1857 · P.L. 362 · April 30, 1857 · Scanned page

  12. To incorporate the Bank of Chester Yalley, to be located at Coatesville.

    Act 415 of 1857 · P.L. 363 · April 27, 1857 · Scanned page

  13. To incorporate the Delaware River Steamboat Company.

    Act 416 of 1857 · P.L. 364 · April 28, 1857 · Scanned page

  14. Supplement to an act to amend the Road Laws of Bucks county, approved the twentythird day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and filty'

    Act 417 of 1857 · P.L. 366 · April 30, 1857 · Scanned page

  15. To cliange the Name and Increase the Privileges of the Lewisburg Savings Institution.

    Act 418 of 1857 · P.L. 367 · April 27, 1857 · Scanned page

  16. Supplement to the act to incorporate the Reading and Lehigh Railroad Company.

    Act 419 of 1857 · P.L. 368 · April 21, 1857 · Scanned page

  17. Supplement to an act passed April twelfth, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-one, relative to the Election of Supervisors in Mount Pleasant and Clinton townships, Wayne county.

    Act 420 of 1857 · P.L. 369 · 1857 · Scanned page

  18. To authorize the School Directors of the borough of Gettysburg to Borrow Money.

    Act 421 of 1857 · P.L. 370 · May 1, 1857 · Scanned page

  19. Supplement to an act supplementary to an act authorizing the laying out of a State Road, leading from Rimersburg, Clarion county, to the mouth of Mahoning creek, in Armstrong county, approved the twenty-seventh day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five.

    Act 422 of 1857 · P.L. 370 · May 1, 1857 · Scanned page

  20. To incorporate the Lancaster Mercantile College.

    Act 423 of 1857 · P.L. 371 · May 1, 1857 · Scanned page

  21. For the relief of Sarah Bishop, the Widow of an old Soldier.

    Act 424 of 1857 · P.L. 374 · May 1, 1857 · Scanned page

  22. For the relief of Elizabeth Edgar, a Widow of a Soldier of the Revolutionary War.

    Act 425 of 1857 · P.L. 374 · May 1, 1857 · Scanned page

  23. To the Charter of the Philadelphia and Baltimore Central Railroad Company.

    Act 426 of 1857 · P.L. 375 · May 1, 1857 · Scanned page

  24. For the relief of Sarah Patterson, Widow of a Revolutionary Soldier.

    Act 427 of 1857 · P.L. 375 · May 1, 1857 · Scanned page

  25. To confiim the Plan of the First Section of the Survey of Kingsessing, in the Twenty-fourth ward, Philadelphia, and to authorize Fifty-second Street to be opened.

    Act 428 of 1857 · P.L. 376 · May 1, 1857 · Scanned page

  26. For the relief of James Hutchison, of Chester county.

    Act 429 of 1857 · P.L. 377 · May 1, 1857 · Scanned page

  27. Changing the time of holding the Township Elections in the township of Pine Grove, in Venango county.

    Act 430 of 1857 · P.L. 377 · May 1, 1857 · Scanned page

  28. Relative to Militia Fines in Washington county.

    Act 431 of 1857 · P.L. 378 · May 1, 1857 · Scanned page

  29. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Manheim and Lebanon Plank and Turnpiko Road Company.

    Act 432 of 1857 · P.L. 378 · May 1, 1857 · Scanned page

  30. To repeal an act annexing part of the Farm of Elisha Robinson, situate in Butler county, to Perry township, Armstrong county, for school purposes.

    Act of 1857 · P.L. 379 · May 1, 1857 · Scanned page

  31. Appointing F. B. Carrington Commissioner to settle and adjust the Claims, Accounts and Affairs of old Sandy Creek township, Mercer county, and the townships of Perry, Vernon, Deer Creek, Sandy Creek, and the borough of Sheakleyville.

    Act of 1857 · P.L. 379 · May 1, 1857 · Scanned page

  32. Supplement to an act to provide for the incorporation of Insurance Companies, approved the second day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-six.

    Act 435 of 1857 · P.L. 380 · May 1, 1857 · Scanned page

  33. To incorporate the Union Temporary Home for Children.

    Act 436 of 1857 · P.L. 381 · March 28, 1857 · Scanned page

  34. To incorporate the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Central Pennsylvania.

    Act 437 of 1857 · P.L. 383 · April 8, 1857 · Scanned page

  35. To change the title of the Allegheny and New Brighton Plank Road Company, and for other purposes.

    Act 438 of 1857 · P.L. 384 · May 4, 1857 · Scanned page

  36. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Northern Home for Friendless Children, approved the twenty-sixth day of January, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-four.

    Act 439 of 1857 · P.L. 384 · May 4, 1857 · Scanned page

  37. To appoint Gommissionera to ran and mark the eonnty lines between Monroe and Pike and Wayne coanties.

    Act 441 of 1857 · P.L. 386 · May 4, 1857 · Scanned page

  38. Supplement to an act to incorporate the city o( Carbondale.

    Act of 1857 · P.L. 387 · May 4, 1857 · Scanned page

  39. Extending Pennsylvania Avenue, in the city of Pittsburg, to the intersec-' tion of Ross and Fifth streets.

    Act 443 of 1857 · P.L. 389 · May 4, 1857 · Scanned page

  40. To attach Warren and M'Kean counties to the Eastern District of the Supreme Court.

    Act 444 of 1857 · P.L. 391 · May 4, 1857 · Scanned page

  41. To enable Robert W. Oliver, of Indiana county, to Perfect the Title of Richard M. Clarke and others to Certain Real Estate in Mercer county.

    Act of 1857 · P.L. 392 · May 4, 1857 · Scanned page

  42. Supplement to an act relative to Real Estate, approved the t\yenty-ninth day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and forty-nine.

    Act 4 of 1857 · P.L. 393 · May 4, 1857 · Scanned page

  43. Supplement to an act relative to Real Estate, approved the twenty-iiinth day of March, Addo Domini one thousand eight hundred and forty-nine. Wbbeeas, By the thirtieth section of the act to which this is a supplement, Sarah Kneass, James Magee, Horn R. Kneass, Napoleon B. Kneass and Frederick F. Kneass, executors named in the last will and testament of Christian Kneass, deceased, were

    Act 446 of 1857 · P.L. 393 · May 4, 1857 · Scanned page

  44. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Wilkesbarre and Scranton Railroad Company, approved the fifteenth day of February, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-one.

    Act 447 of 1857 · P.L. 394 · May 4, 1857 · Scanned page

  45. Supplement to the act incorporating the Dauphin and Susquehanna Coal Company.

    Act of 1857 · P.L. 395 · May 4, 1857 · Scanned page

  46. Relative to the Lehigh Crane Iron Company.

    Act of 1857 · P.L. 395 · May 4, 1857 · Scanned page

  47. Rcr the Relief of Elizabeth M'Calloiigh, widow of John M'Cullough, a soldier in the Indian war.

    Act 440 of 1857 · P.L. 395 · May 4, 1857 · Scanned page

  48. To appoint Gommissionen to ran and mark the eoontj lines between Monroe and Pike and Wayne counties.

    Act 441 of 1857 · P.L. 396 · May 4, 1857 · Scanned page

  49. To incorporate the Commonwealth Bank of Philadelphia.

    Act 450 of 1857 · P.L. 396 · April 27, 1857 · Scanned page

  50. To incorporate the Corn Exchange Bank of Philadelphia,

    Act of 1857 · P.L. 397 · April 27, 1857 · Scanned page

  51. Supplement to an act to incorporate the city of Carbondale.

    Act 442 of 1857 · P.L. 397 · May 4, 1857 · Scanned page

  52. To incorporate the Street-sweeping and Fertilising Company,

    Act of 1857 · P.L. 398 · May 5, 1857 · Scanned page

  53. To fefiind to Bingham and Dock, late carriers on the Cohimbia Raihoad, certain moneys expended b}' them for the Comnioinvealth. Sectiox 1.

    Act 454 of 1857 · P.L. 400 · May 5, 1857 · Scanned page

  54. Providing for the Consolidation of tlie Lebanon Valley Railroad Company and the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company.

    Act 455 of 1857 · P.L. 401 · May 5, 1857 · Scanned page

  55. To provide for the Election of a Brigadier General, and for the relief of William F.

    Act 456 of 1857 · P.L. 403 · May 5, 1857 · Scanned page

  56. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Pennaj'lvaiiia and Luiiigh Zinc Company, approved the second day of May, Anno Domini one thousand eiglit hundred and fifty-five.

    Act 457 of 1857 · P.L. 404 · May 6, 1857 · Scanned page

  57. To incorporate the LTniou Bank of Philadelijhia.

    Act 458 of 1857 · P.L. 405 · May 5, 1857 · Scanned page

  58. Relative to the State Arsenal at Philadelphia and Meadville.

    Act 459 of 1857 · P.L. 406 · May 6, 1857 · Scanned page

  59. To authorize the Commissioners of Clarion and Armstrong counties to erect a Bridge over Redbank creek.

    Act 460 of 1857 · P.L. 407 · May 6, 1857 · Scanned page

  60. To permit the School Directors of the borough of Shrewsbury to borrow Money.

    Act 461 of 1857 · P.L. 407 · May 6, 1857 · Scanned page

  61. Supplement to the act relating to Hack, Omnibus and Cab Drivers in the city of Erie, and to authorize the City Coanclls to divide the Wards of said city for election purposes.

    Act 462 of 1857 · P.L. 408 · May 6, 1857 · Scanned page

  62. To alter an act to more Effectually Prevent tie Destruction of Insectiverous Birds, and for the better Protection and Preservation of Game in the counties of Beiks and Allegheny, passed the twenty-sixth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five. Sectio:\' 1.

    Act 463 of 1857 · P.L. 409 · May 6, 1857 · Scanned page

  63. Regulating the Election, et cetera, of Supervisors of Highways in Washington township, Franklin county.

    Act 464 of 1857 · P.L. 409 · May 6, 1857 · Scanned page

  64. Appointing Commissioners to view and lay out a State Road in tlie counties of Fayette and Greene.

    Act 465 of 1857 · P.L. 410 · May 6, 1857 · Scanned page

  65. To incorporate the Bells Milla and Fallen Timber Turnpike and Plank Road Company.

    Act 466 of 1857 · P.L. 411 · May 6, 1857 · Scanned page

  66. To incorporate the Central Bank of Pennsylvania.

    Act 467 of 1857 · P.L. 413 · May 6, 1857 · Scanned page

  67. Repealing a Tax on Dogs in the township of Middletown, in the county of

    Act 468 of 1857 · P.L. 413 · May 6, 1857 · Scanned page

  68. Relating to the Salaries of the Judges of the District Court and Court of Common Pleas in and for the county of Allegheny.

    Act 469 of 1857 · P.L. 414 · May 6, 1857 · Scanned page

  69. Relative to the Election of Supervisors.

    Act 470 of 1857 · P.L. 415 · May 6, 1857 · Scanned page

  70. Supplement to an act, entitled " An Act relative to the sale of Land for the Non-paj-ment of Taxes in tlie counties of Venango and Wyoming.

    Act 471 of 1857 · P.L. 416 · May 6, 1857 · Scanned page

  71. To exempt the property of the National Guards of the city of Philadelphia, from taxation.

    Act 472 of 1857 · P.L. 417 · May 6, 1857 · Scanned page

  72. Relative to the Real Estate of Valentine Brobst, deceased.

    Act 473 of 1857 · P.L. 417 · May 6, 1857 · Scanned page

  73. Relating to the sale of the Real Estate of Jacob Frederick Merkle, late of the city of Reading, Berks county, deceased.

    Act 474 of 1857 · P.L. 418 · May 6, 1857 · Scanned page

  74. Authorizing the laying out pf a State Road from a point at or near Shannon's Hay House, in Washington county, to M'Nall's Saw Mill, in Allegheny county.

    Act 476 of 1857 · P.L. 420 · May 6, 1857 · Scanned page

  75. Supplement to an act to authorize the School Directors of the borough of Pine Grove, in the county of Schuylkill, to Borrow Money, approved the twenty-fourth day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-six.

    Act 477 of 1857 · P.L. 421 · May 6, 1857 · Scanned page

  76. Relative to Agencies of Foreign Insurance, Trust and Annuity Companies in the city of Philadelphia.

    Act 479 of 1857 · P.L. 423 · May 7, 1857 · Scanned page

  77. Supplement to an act to incorporate the city of Philadelphia, approved the twentieth day of February, one thousand eight hundred and filty-four.

    Act 481 of 1857 · P.L. 425 · May 7, 1857 · Scanned page

  78. Supplement to the act incorporating a Company to erect a Bridge over the Allegheny river, opposite Pittsburg, in the county of Allegheny, approved the seventeenth day of February, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and

    Act 482 of 1857 · P.L. 426 · April 7, 1857 · Scanned page

  79. Supplement to an act to continue an act, entitled " An Act to incorporate the subscribers to the Bank of Pennsylvania, and for other purposes," approved the fouiteenth day of February, one thousand eight hundred and ten.

    Act 483 of 1857 · P.L. 427 · May 7, 1857 · Scanned page

  80. To authorize the Rector, Church Wardens and Yestrymen of Saiut Stephen's Church, in the city of Philadelphia, to take and hold additional Estate, real and personal.

    Act 484 of 1857 · P.L. 428 · May 7, 1857 · Scanned page

  81. Relating to Voting at County and General Elections in Clinton county.

    Act 485 of 1857 · P.L. 429 · May 7, 1857 · Scanned page

  82. To enable the School Directors of the borough of Bedford to erect a School House.

    Act 486 of 1857 · P.L. 429 · May 7, 1857 · Scanned page

  83. To authorize the School Directors of Independent District, number one, in Ceres township, ai'Kean county, to raise money for building purposes.

    Act 487 of 1857 · P.L. 430 · May 7, 1857 · Scanned page

  84. For the relief of Nancy Lindsey, Widow of a Soldier of the Indian war.

    Act 488 of 1857 · P.L. 430 · May 7, 1857 · Scanned page

  85. For the relief of Joseph E.

    Act 489 of 1857 · P.L. 431 · May 7, 1857 · Scanned page

  86. To refund to William Gibson aod Hngb M'Master certain expenses and moneys paid by them on account of the Nicholson Land Claims.

    Act 490 of 1857 · P.L. 432 · May 7, 1857 · Scanned page

  87. To increase the Pay of Jurors and Witnesses in certain counties of this Commonwealth.

    Act 491 of 1857 · P.L. 432 · May 7, 1857 · Scanned page

  88. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Dover, Oonewago, Newberry, and East and West Manchester townships, in the connty of York, approved the fifteenth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-six.

    Act 492 of 1857 · P.L. 433 · May 7, 1857 · Scanned page

  89. To incorporate the Franklin Turnijike Road Company.

    Act 493 of 1857 · P.L. 434 · May 7, 1857 · Scanned page

  90. To incorporate the Cope Insurance Company.

    Act 494 of 1857 · P.L. 435 · May 1, 1857 · Scanned page

  91. To Charter the Allegheny Bank.

    Act 495 of 1857 · P.L. 435 · May 8, 1857 · Scanned page

  92. Authorizing the Canal Commissioners to examine the claim of Samuel Copper, contractor on the Erie Extension, Fennsj-lvania Canal.

    Act of 1857 · P.L. 437 · May 8, 1857 · Scanned page

  93. Supplement to an act relative to Investments by Building Associations, approved May eighth, one tbousana eight hundred and filty-five.

    Act 498 of 1857 · P.L. 437 · May 8, 1857 · Scanned page

  94. To authorize the appointment of an Auctioneer in Johnstown, Cambria county.

    Act 499 of 1857 · P.L. 438 · May 8, 1857 · Scanned page

  95. To authorize the erection of a Poor House by the township of Jenkins, borough of Pittston and township of Pittston, in the county of Luzerne.

    Act of 1857 · P.L. 439 · May 8, 1857 · Scanned page

  96. To provide for the payment of Certain Claims against the Commonwealth.

    Act of 1857 · P.L. 444 · May 9, 1857 · Scanned page

  97. To authoriKe the Canal Commissioners to examine the Claim of Joseph Collins.

    Act 502 of 1857 · P.L. 446 · May 9, 1857 · Scanned page

  98. To incorporate the Bank of Catasauqua.

    Act 503 of 1857 · P.L. 447 · May 5, 1857 · Scanned page

  99. To incorporate the Philadelphia and Cape May Steam Navigation Company.

    Act 504 of 1857 · P.L. 447 · May 7, 1857 · Scanned page

  100. To incorporate the Philadelphia and Smyrna Steamboat Company.

    Act 505 of 1857 · P.L. 450 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

By decade

Constitution of 19681968–today

Constitution of 18741874–1967

Constitution of 18381838–1873

Constitution of 17901790–1837

Constitution of 17761776–1789

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.