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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. To compel Supervisors of Roads in Uie county of Danphin, to give security.

    Act 507 of 1857 · P.L. 453 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

  2. Authorizing the Burgess and Council of the boroughs of Port Clinton and Northumberland to construct Lock-up Houses.

    Act 508 of 1857 · P.L. 453 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

  3. Relative to tLe Houses of Refuge in Philadelphia and Allegheny counties.

    Act 509 of 1857 · P.L. 454 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

  4. Kelative to the borough of Lebanon.

    Act 510 of 1857 · P.L. 455 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

  5. Declaratory of an act appointing Commissioneis to review and lay out a State Road from Waynesburg, in Greene county, to Benjamin Covert's, in Fayette county.

    Act 511 of 1857 · P.L. 456 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

  6. For the relief of Lloyd and Lemon.

    Act 512 of 1857 · P.L. 457 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

  7. To authorize the State Treasurer to pay the claims of John Thompson, Samuel Thompson and Samuel Lessig.

    Act 513 of 1857 · P.L. 457 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

  8. Declaring certain Creeks Public Highways.

    Act 514 of 1857 · P.L. 458 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

  9. Supplement to the act relative to the Agencies of Foreign Insurance, Trust and Annuity companies, approved April ninth, one thousand eight hundredand fifty-six.

    Act 515 of 1857 · P.L. 458 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

  10. Relative to a Constable in the borough of Titusvilie.

    Act 516 of 1857 · P.L. 459 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

  11. For the relief of Elizabeth Boies, "Widow of an Old Soldier.

    Act 517 of 1857 · P.L. 460 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

  12. For the relief of Mary Hayden, Widow of an Old Soldier of the Revolutionary War.

    Act 518 of 1857 · P.L. 460 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

  13. To repeal the Proviso to the Eighth Section of an act, entitled " An Act to repeal the Nicholson Court of Pleas," &c.

    Act 519 of 1857 · P.L. 461 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

  14. For the relief of William Fury, late Treasurer of Centre county.

    Act 520 of 1857 · P.L. 461 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

  15. Declaring Tionesta creek and its branches a Public Highway.

    Act of 1857 · P.L. 462 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

  16. To divide the borough of Wilkesbarre, in the county of Luzerne, into two Wards. Section 1.

    Act 523 of 1857 · P.L. 463 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

  17. Making Front street and Peachtree alley, in the village of Halifax, Public Highways.

    Act 524 of 1857 · P.L. 465 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

  18. Keiative to the Union School and Children's Home, established in the city of Philadelphia.

    Act 525 of 1857 · P.L. 465 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

  19. Prescribing the Time and M anner of submitting to the People for their Ratification or Rejection the Proposed Amendments to the Constitution. VV^HERE.iS, A joint resolution proposing certain amendments Preamble. ^^ ^j^g constitution of this commonwealth has been agreed to by a majority of the members elected to each house of the legislature, at two successive sessions of the same, the

    Act 526 of 1857 · P.L. 466 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

  20. To confirm the title of Jacob B. Masser, to certain real estate in Northumberland county.

    Act 527 of 1857 · P.L. 468 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

  21. To authorize the Trustees of tlie Menonite Society in Manheim township, Lancaster county, to exchange certain lands.

    Act 528 of 1857 · P.L. 468 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

  22. To an actio incorporate the Conestoga and Manor Turnpike Road Company. Sectioim 1.

    Act 529 of 1857 · P.L. 469 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

  23. Supplement to the act incorporating the Allegheny and Manchester Plank Road Com- ' pany.

    Act 530 of 1857 · P.L. 470 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

  24. Supplement to an act regulating Auctions in the city of Lancaster and other Towns in this Commonwealth, and the several supplements thereto, approved the seventh April, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two.

    Act 532 of 1857 · P.L. 471 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

  25. To authorize the Sale of a certain School House in Leesport, Berks county, Feunsylvania.

    Act 534 of 1857 · P.L. 473 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

  26. To establish a High School in Hollidaysburg, Blair county.

    Act 535 of 1857 · P.L. 474 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

  27. To empower the School Directors of Chambersburg School District, to Borrow Money to build a new School House.

    Act 536 of 1857 · P.L. 474 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

  28. To annul the Marriage Contract of Adelaide L. Hoffman and Daniel Hoffman.

    Act 537 of 1857 · P.L. 475 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

  29. To authorize the Canal Commissioners to make a Certain Conveyance.

    Act 538 of 1857 · P.L. 476 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

  30. In relation to the Cbamhersbnrg, Greencastle and Hagerstown Railroad, formerly the Franklin Railroad, in the county of Franklin.

    Act 539 of 1857 · P.L. 476 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

  31. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Warriors Mark Water Corupaay, in the village of Warriors Mark, Huntingdon county.

    Act 540 of 1857 · P.L. 480 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

  32. To authorize the Executors of Daniel Stine, deceased, to convey certain Real Estate.

    Act 541 of 1857 · P.L. 481 · April 16, 1857 · Scanned page

  33. To incorporate tbe Doylestown Gas Company.

    Act 512 of 1857 · P.L. 483 · May 4, 1857 · Scanned page

  34. To incorporate the Academy of the Assumption, in the ciiy of Philadelphia.

    Act 543 of 1857 · P.L. 484 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

  35. To confirm the Title of Albert G. Rowland to certain Real Estate in the Twenty-third ward of the city of Philadelphia.

    Act 544 of 1857 · P.L. 485 · May 13, 1857 · Scanned page

  36. Supplement to the act Consolidating the city of Philadelphia.

    Act 545 of 1857 · P.L. 489 · May 13, 1857 · Scanned page

  37. Supplement to an act to incorporate the "Wyoming Goal and Iron Company, pissed the twenty-first day of March, one tliousand eight hundred and filtj-six.

    Act 546 of 1857 · P.L. 490 · May 13, 1857 · Scanned page

  38. To incorporate the Hilldale Cemeterj' Conipanj', in Allegheny county.

    Act 547 of 1857 · P.L. 491 · April 22, 1857 · Scanned page

  39. To compensate Robert Moore for Damages sustained by Fire.

    Act 548 of 1857 · P.L. 493 · May 13, 1857 · Scanned page

  40. To incorporate the Silver Hill Cemetery Gorapauy.

    Act of 1857 · P.L. 494 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page

  41. To incorporate the Jersey Shore "Bank.

    Act 549 of 1857 · P.L. 494 · May 9, 1857 · Scanned page

  42. For the relief of Frances Montgomery, of Washington county, KentucJiy,. AVidow of a Revolutionary Soldier.

    Act of 1857 · P.L. 495 · May 13, 1857 · Scanned page

  43. To increase the Pay of Township Supervisors in the county of Tioga.

    Act of 1857 · P.L. 496 · May 13, 1857 · Scanned page

  44. Authorizing the Board of School Directors of the borough of Port CHnton to Borrow Money.

    Act of 1857 · P.L. 496 · May 13, 1857 · Scanned page

  45. To legitimate Mary Allen.

    Act 554 of 1857 · P.L. 497 · May 13, 1857 · Scanned page

  46. To extend Twentieth street, between M'Kean street and Fassyiink road, in the First waid of the city of Philadelphia.

    Act 555 of 1857 · P.L. 497 · May 13, 1857 · Scanned page

  47. Granting authority to the Supreme Court in the matter of the Estate of Susanna E. Lesley, deceased.

    Act 557 of 1857 · P.L. 498 · May 13, 1857 · Scanned page

  48. Requiring Publication of Application to the Legislature of this Commonwealth relative to Real Estate.

    Act 558 of 1857 · P.L. 499 · May 13, 1857 · Scanned page

  49. To vacate Canal allejj in Chnrehville, Nortlmmberland coonty.

    Act 556 of 1857 · P.L. 500 · May 13, 1857 · Scanned page

  50. To repeal the Fifth Section of an act, entitled "An Act for the greater Certainty of Title and more Secure Enjoyment of Real Estate.

    Act 559 of 1857 · P.L. 500 · May 13, 1857 · Scanned page

  51. Relative to an act to incorporate the Good Intent Fire Company of Rosborough township, in the county of Philadelphia, and provide for the

    Act 560 of 1857 · P.L. 501 · May 13, 1857 · Scanned page

  52. Supplement to an act passed the fourteenth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, relative to a State Road leading from Meadville, Crawford county, to "Wilmington, Lawrence county.

    Act 561 of 1857 · P.L. 501 · May 13, 1857 · Scanned page

  53. Supplement to the act incorporating the Philadelphia and TTest Chester Turnpike Road Company.

    Act 562 of 1857 · P.L. 502 · May 13, 1857 · Scanned page

  54. To incorporate the Lancaster and Willow Street Turnpike Road Company.

    Act 563 of 1857 · P.L. 503 · May 13, 1857 · Scanned page

  55. To the Charier of the Philadelphia and West Chester Railroad Corapany.

    Act 564 of 1857 · P.L. 503 · May 14, 1857 · Scanned page

  56. To. incorporate the Tioga County Bank.

    Act 566 of 1857 · P.L. 506 · May 11, 1857 · Scanned page

  57. To Legitimate Children Born out of Lawful 'Wedlock.

    Act 567 of 1857 · P.L. 507 · May 14, 1857 · Scanned page

  58. Regulating the Fees of District Attorneys.

    Act 568 of 1857 · P.L. 507 · May 14, 1857 · Scanned page

  59. For the relief of John Lorentz, of Lancaster county.

    Act 569 of 1857 · P.L. 508 · May 14, 1857 · Scanned page

  60. To authorize the Buffalo and Bradford Railroad Company to hold certain Lands in M'Kean county.

    Act 570 of 1857 · P.L. 509 · May 14, 1857 · Scanned page

  61. Relative to the Montour Iron Company.

    Act 571 of 1857 · P.L. 509 · May 14, 1857 · Scanned page

  62. To incorporate tlie Pbiladelplia Steamship Dock Company.

    Act 572 of 1857 · P.L. 511 · May 14, 1857 · Scanned page

  63. To incorporate the Ocean Steam Navigation Company.

    Act 573 of 1857 · P.L. 512 · May 13, 1857 · Scanned page

  64. To incorporate the Pennsylvania Farina Company.

    Act 574 of 1857 · P.L. 514 · May 14, 1857 · Scanned page

  65. Relative to Cross Street, in the City of Pittsburg.

    Act 575 of 1857 · P.L. 515 · May 15, 1857 · Scanned page

  66. Authorizing the incorporation of the Bank of Pottstown.

    Act of 1857 · P.L. 516 · May 16, 1857 · Scanned page

  67. To incorporate the Iron City Bank.

    Act 576 of 1857 · P.L. 516 · May 13, 1857 · Scanned page

  68. Sopplementarj to the Charter of the York Gonnty Bank.

    Act 578 of 1857 · P.L. 519 · April 21, 1857 · Scanned page

  69. Incorporating the Brownsville Gas Company, in Fayette county.

    Act 580 of 1857 · P.L. 526 · March 31, 1857 · Scanned page

  70. To incorporate the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Berlis and Lehigh counties. Sectiox 1.

    Act 581 of 1857 · P.L. 527 · April 21, 1857 · Scanned page

  71. To incorporate the Lehigh County Mutual Horse Insurance Company.

    Act 582 of 1857 · P.L. 527 · April 28, 1857 · Scanned page

  72. To annul the Marriage Contract between Mary Ann Parker and "William Franklin Parker.

    Act 583 of 1857 · P.L. 531 · May 16, 1857 · Scanned page

  73. To annul the Marriage Contract of Catharine E. Johnson and George Eyre Johnson.

    Act 584 of 1857 · P.L. 531 · May 16, 1857 · Scanned page

  74. To exempt the Property of the Oley Academy, in the county of Berks, from Taxation.

    Act 585 of 1857 · P.L. 532 · May 16, 1857 · Scanned page

  75. Supplement to an act to Establish an Asylum for the Insane Poor of this Commonwealth, approved the fourteenth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and forty-five.

    Act of 1857 · P.L. 533 · May 16, 1857 · Scanned page

  76. To prevent the Erection of Bone Boiling Establishments in the B'irst Ward of the city of Philadelphia, and the county of Montgomery.

    Act 588 of 1857 · P.L. 533 · May 16, 1857 · Scanned page

  77. Prohibiting persons from throwing Slabs in Canoe Creek, in the counties of Jefferson and Indiana.

    Act 589 of 1857 · P.L. 534 · May 16, 1857 · Scanned page

  78. To change the place of Holding the Elections in Oliver township, Mifflin county.

    Act 590 of 1857 · P.L. 535 · May 16, 1857 · Scanned page

  79. Relating to City, County and Township Treasurers.

    Act 591 of 1857 · P.L. 535 · May 16, 1857 · Scanned page

  80. Eelative to Inquests by Coroners and Justices of the Peace.

    Act 592 of 1857 · P.L. 536 · May 16, 1857 · Scanned page

  81. To release the Prothonotary of Potter county from the payment of certain Taxes.

    Act 593 of 1857 · P.L. 536 · May 15, 1857 · Scanned page

  82. Supplement to an act, entitled ''An Act relating to Hawkers and Pedlers in Susquehanna county," api^roved April eighth, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven.

    Act 594 of 1857 · P.L. 537 · May 16, 1857 · Scanned page

  83. ACT Relative to Assignees and Trustees of Railroad Companies.

    Act 595 of 1857 · P.L. 538 · May 16, 1857 · Scanned page

  84. Authorizing the Pennsylvania Raih-oad Company to hold Real Estate in Lancaster county.

    Act 596 of 1857 · P.L. 539 · May 16, 1857 · Scanned page

  85. Increasing the width of Diamond alley, and extending Union street, in the city of Pittsburg.

    Act 597 of 1857 · P.L. 539 · May 16, 1857 · Scanned page

  86. Supplementary to an act to Incorporate the City of Pittsburg,

    Act 598 of 1857 · P.L. 541 · May 16, 1857 · Scanned page

  87. Relative to Certain Streets in the city of Philadelphia.

    Act 599 of 1857 · P.L. 547 · May 16, 1857 · Scanned page

  88. Supplement to the act Consolidating the City of Philadelphia.

    Act 600 of 1857 · P.L. 548 · May 16, 1857 · Scanned page

  89. Supplement to the act Consolidating the City of Philadelphia.

    Act 601 of 1857 · P.L. 549 · May 16, 1857 · Scanned page

  90. To repeal the fourth Section of the act to further amend the Road Laws of Erie county, approved the fifteenth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty

    Act 602 of 1857 · P.L. 550 · May 16, 1857 · Scanned page

  91. Appointing Commissioners to View and lay out a State Road from Claysville, in Washington county, to intersect the Waynesburg and Wheehng State Road at or near the farm of David Enoch, in Greene county.

    Act 603 of 1857 · P.L. 550 · May 16, 1857 · Scanned page

  92. To lay out a State Road in Armstrong and Clarion Counties.

    Act 604 of 1857 · P.L. 552 · May 16, 1857 · Scanned page

  93. Supplement to an act passed the fifteenth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-six, to lay out a State road from Pinegrove, in Mercer county, via Centreville, to the nearest station on the North Western railroad, in Butler county.

    Act 605 of 1857 · P.L. 553 · 1857 · Scanned page

  94. Appointing Commissioners to lay out and open a State road in the counties of M'Kean and Elli.

    Act 606 of 1857 · P.L. 554 · May 16, 1857 · Scanned page

  95. To incorporate the Loudon Water Company.

    Act 607 of 1857 · P.L. 556 · April 24, 1857 · Scanned page

  96. To incorporate the Independence Fire Engine Company of Philadelphia.

    Act 608 of 1857 · P.L. 556 · April 22, 1857 · Scanned page

  97. To authorize the Stockholders of the "West Chester and Philadelphia Railroad Company to muke payment ujion their Mortgages.

    Act 609 of 1857 · P.L. 558 · May 16, 1857 · Scanned page

  98. To provide for the ordinary expenses of Government, the repairs of Public Canals and Railroads, and other general and special Appropriations.

    Act 610 of 1857 · P.L. 559 · May 18, 1857 · Scanned page

  99. Relative to Sheriffs' Sales on Levari Facias.

    Act 611 of 1857 · P.L. 573 · May 18, 1857 · Scanned page

  100. Relatire to the Erie City Bank.

    Act 612 of 1857 · P.L. 573 · May 18, 1857 · Scanned page

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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.