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.
5,371 laws of the 1850s
Constitution of 1838
To incorporate the Young Men's Christian Association of Philadelpliia.
Act 613 of 1857 · P.L. 574 · May 2, 1857 · Scanned page
To incorporate the Lebanon Valley Bank.
Act of 1857 · P.L. 575 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
Relative to the Election of Township Officers in Kockamixon township; Bucks county.
Act 617 of 1857 · P.L. 578 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
To incorporate the Pottsville Mining and Manufacturing Company.
Act 618 of 1857 · P.L. 579 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
To provide for tho Dae TrainiDg of Teachers for tlie GommoD Schools of the State.
Act 619 of 1857 · P.L. 581 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
Declaratory of the Powers of the Courts of Quarter Sessions to create Independent School Districts.
Act 620 of 1857 · P.L. 587 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
Relative to the Abolition of Independent School Districts, created or continued by the Courts.
Act 621 of 1857 · P.L. 588 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
To authorize the School Directors of the borongh of Phwnixville to Borrow Money, for the purpose of building Two School Houses.
Act 622 of 1857 · P.L. 589 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
Authorizing a Special Tax in the borough of South Pittsburg.
Act 623 of 1857 · P.L. 589 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
In relation to Party Walls.
Act 624 of 1857 · P.L. 590 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
Authorizing the Court of Common Pleas of Northumberland county to appoint Auditors.
Act 625 of 1857 · P.L. 591 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
To v/iden Thirty-first street, in the city of Philadelphia, and to change the name thereof.
Act 626 of 1857 · P.L. 592 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
For the relief of Charity Hineman, Widow of an Old Soldier.
Act 627 of 1857 · P.L. 593 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
Supplement to an act laying out a State Road from Tunkhannock borough, in Wyoming county, to Abington Centre, in Luzerne county.
Act 629 of 1857 · P.L. 594 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
To lay out a State Road in Allegheny and Butler counties.
Act 630 of 1857 · P.L. 595 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
Supplementary to the incorporation of <he Farmers' Mutual -Fire Insurance Company.
Act of 1857 · P.L. 596 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
Supplement to an act approved the seventh day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-six, entitled " An Act to incorporate the Clarion and Mahoning Turnpike Company.
Act of 1857 · P.L. 597 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
Supplement to an act, entitled •' An Act to incorporate the North Branch and Lackawanna Railroad Company," approved the second day of May, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five.
Act 633 of 1857 · P.L. 597 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
To authorize the PenniylTaiiia Railroad Company to sabscribe to the Capital Stock or endoise the bonds of the Chartiers Yalley Railroad Company.
Act 634 of 1857 · P.L. 598 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
To authorize the Pennsylvania Railroad Company to subscribe to the Capital Stock of the Hempfield Railroad.
Act 635 of 1857 · P.L. 599 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
Declaring the Streets and Alleys in the town of Espy, in Columbia county. Public Highways.
Act 636 of 1857 · P.L. 600 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
To authorize the Auditor General, Attorney General and State Treasurer to re-examine, settle and adjust the account of the late State Treasurer with the Lancaster Savings institution.
Act 637 of 1857 · P.L. 600 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
Authorizing ElisTia Sharp, his Seirs and Assigns to maintain and keep a a Dam across Tunkhannock creek, in the county of Wyoming.
Act 639 of 1857 · P.L. 602 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
To authorize Jesse B. Schooley to Remove the Dead from a certain Lot in the village of Wyoming.
Act 640 of 1857 · P.L. 602 · 1857 · Scanned page
For the Protection of Sheep and Taxing of Dogs in the county of Blair.
Act 641 of 1857 · P.L. 603 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
Supplement to an act, entitled " An Act to prevent the hunting of Deer with Dogs in the counties of Tioga, Schuylkill, Potter and Elk, in the townships of Armagh and Bratton, in the county of Mifflin, and in the townships of Blair, Frankstown and North Woodberry, in Blair county.
Act 642 of 1857 · P.L. 606 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
Relative to the pay of Certain othcers in the county of Blair.
Act 643 of 1857 · P.L. 606 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
Authorizing the Commissioners of Blair county to Borrow Money.
Act 644 of 1857 · P.L. 607 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
To authorize the Treasurer of Centre county to Perfect certain Titles.
Act 645 of 1857 · P.L. 608 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
To authorize the Appointment of additional N"otarie3 Public in the counties of Chester and Washington.
Act 646 of 1857 · P.L. 608 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
For the Relief of Martha Ankias, of the city of Philadelphia.
Act 647 of 1857 · P.L. 609 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
To authorize the Treasurer of this Commonwealth to pay certain moneys to Anna, Elizabeth, Mary and Priscilla Hamilton.
Act 648 of 1857 · P.L. 609 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
Directing the State Treasurer to pay the Claim of Ezekiel Mowry, janiorand Aid en Mowry.
Act 649 of 1857 · P.L. 610 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
To authorize the Canal Commissioners to examine the claim of Andrevr Wise.
Act 650 of 1857 · P.L. 611 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
To Change the Name of the Montgomery Greys.
Act 651 of 1857 · P.L. 611 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
To Regulate the Salaries of the Associate Judges of this Commonwealth,
Act 652 of 1857 · P.L. 612 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
Organizing Forest county for Judicial Purposes.
Act 653 of 1857 · P.L. 612 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
Te Increase the Pay of County Commissioners and Auditors in the county of Potter.
Act 654 of 1857 · P.L. 615 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
To legalize Elections held in Potter county.
Act 655 of 1857 · P.L. 615 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
To establish the township of Jackson, in the county of Potter, into a sepa- ' rate Election District, and to change the Time of holding the Spring Elections in said county.
Act 656 of 1857 · P.L. 616 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
Relative to School Directors in the First School District.
Act 657 of 1857 · P.L. 617 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
Making an Appropriation from the State Treasury, in aid of the Farmers' High School.
Act 658 of 1857 · P.L. 617 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
To fix the number of Senators and Representatives, and to form the State into Dit>tricts, in ^jursuance of the provisions of the Constitution.
Act 659 of 1857 · P.L. 619 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
Supplement to an act to incorporate the Point Breeze Park Asvociation, approved rebruary eighth, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five. SECTIO^^ 1.
Act 660 of 1857 · P.L. 625 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
Relative to the York Furnace Bridge Company.
Act 661 of 1857 · P.L. 626 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
Supplement to an act incorporating the Coudersport, Portage and Allegheny Rirer Railroad Company.
Act 662 of 1857 · P.L. 627 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
Supplement to an act incorporating the Buiialo and Bradford Railroad Company.
Act 663 of 1857 · P.L. 628 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
Supplement to the act Regulating Railroads.
Act 664 of 1857 · P.L. 629 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
In Relation to Bills of Exchange.
Act 665 of 1857 · P.L. 629 · May 21, 1857 · Scanned page
To Establish a Ferry over the North Branch of the Susquehanna river, at Bowman's Eddy, in the township of Wysox, in Bradford county.
Act 666 of 1857 · P.L. 630 · May 21, 1857 · Scanned page
Supplement to an act for the Regulation and Continnance of a System of Education by Common Schools.
Act 667 of 1857 · P.L. 631 · May 21, 1857 · Scanned page
To incorporate the TTest Philadelphia Mutual Saving Fund and Trust Company.
Act 668 of 1857 · P.L. 632 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
Supplement to an act authorizing the Governor to incorporate the Mill Creek and Mine Hill Navigation and Railroad Company, passed the seventh day of February, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and twenty-eight.
Act 669 of 1857 · P.L. 635 · May 21, 1857 · Scanned page
To authorize the Canal Commissioners to Esamine the Claim of Peter Wagner.
Act 671 of 1857 · P.L. 637 · May 21, 1857 · Scanned page
Foi the relief of S. P. Johnson,
Act 672 of 1857 · P.L. 637 · May 21, 1857 · Scanned page
For the Relief of the Widow of George W. M&xtoa, deceased.
Act 670 of 1857 · P.L. 638 · May 21, 1857 · Scanned page
To authorize the State Treasurer to Pay the Claim of A. K. & A. L. Witmer, for damages sustained on the Philadelphia and Columbia Railroad.
Act 673 of 1857 · P.L. 638 · 1857 · Scanned page
Changing the Time of Holding the Borough Elections in Punxsutawner, Jeflbrson county.
Act 674 of 1857 · P.L. 638 · 1857 · Scanned page
Relative to Commission Merchants.
Act 675 of 1857 · P.L. 639 · May 21, 1857 · Scanned page
Supplement to the act, entitled '•' An act to incorporate the American Trnst Compaoy, lor the Protection of ImmigraTits and the Investment of Funds.
Act 676 of 1857 · P.L. 640 · May 21, 1857 · Scanned page
Supplement to an act relating to Banks, Saving, Trust and Insurance CorapanieSj ap* proved November sixth, one thousand eight hundred and tilty-six.
Act 677 of 1857 · P.L. 640 · May 21, 1857 · Scanned page
To Improve the Navigation of the Oswayo Creek, in the county of Pottei.
Act 678 of 1857 · P.L. 641 · May 21, 1857 · Scanned page
To aa aci to appoint Commissioners to view, Isy out and constraci a State- Road in Chester and Lancaster county.
Act 679 of 1857 · P.L. 642 · May 21, 1857 · Scanned page
For the repair of the Horse Race Dam, on the Upper North Branch Canal.
Act 680 of 1857 · P.L. 643 · May 21, 1857 · Scanned page
Supplement to an act to incorporate the Mountain Coal and Iron Company.
Act 683 of 1857 · P.L. 645 · May 21, 1857 · Scanned page
To incorporate the Bristol Water Company.
Act 682 of 1857 · P.L. 646 · May 21, 1857 · Scanned page
Supplement to an act to incorporate the Donegal Iron Company, approved the twenty-fourth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fiflyseven.
Act 684 of 1857 · P.L. 646 · May 21, 1857 · Scanned page
To an a-ct to incorgorate the Sunbury and Erie, and Pittsburg and Susquehanna Railroad Companies.
Act 685 of 1857 · P.L. 647 · May 21, 1857 · Scanned page
To authorize the Little Schuylkill Navigation, Railroad and Coal Companj to Borrow Money.
Act 686 of 1857 · P.L. 648 · May 21, 1857 · Scanned page
Supplement to the act to incorporate the Pennsylvania Railroad Company.
Act 687 of 1857 · P.L. 649 · May 21, 1857 · Scanned page
To Vacate a certain part of the State Road leading to New Brighton from Allegheny city.
Act 688 of 1857 · P.L. 649 · May 22, 1857 · Scanned page
To autliorize the Trustees of the First Colored "Wesley Methodist Church and Congregation of Columbia, to convey certain Real Estate.
Act 690 of 1857 · P.L. 651 · May 21, 1857 · Scanned page
Relative to Elections in the borough of Birmingham, in Allegheny county.
Act 693 of 1857 · P.L. 654 · May 21, 1857 · Scanned page
Supplement to an act relative to Bridges in Lancaster county, passed the twenty-seventh day of Febraary, Addo Domini one thooaaud eight hundred and fortyseven.
Act 692 of 1857 · P.L. 655 · May 22, 1857 · Scanned page
For the relief of James M'Donald, an Old Soldier.
Act 694 of 1857 · P.L. 655 · May 22, 1857 · Scanned page
To incorporate the Santiago Mining Company,
Act 695 of 1857 · P.L. 655 · May 21, 1857 · Scanned page
Authorizing the restoration and increase of the Capital Stock of the Manufacturers' and Mechanics' Bank of the city and county of Fhiiadeiphia.
Act 696 of 1857 · P.L. 656 · 1857 · Scanned page
To incorporate the Mutual Saving and Loan Association of Philadelphia.
Act 697 of 1857 · P.L. 657 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
To incorporate the Washiiigton Fire and Marine Insurance Company,
Act 698 of 1857 · P.L. 660 · May 12, 1857 · Scanned page
To incorporate the South White Ilall Mutual Live Stock Insurance Company.
Act 699 of 1857 · P.L. 661 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
To incorporate the Franklin Saving Fund Society.
Act 700 of 1857 · P.L. 664 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
To incorporate the Fayette County Raih'oad Company.
Act of 1857 · P.L. 665 · May 1, 1857 · Scanned page
Supplement to an act, entitled " An Act to incorporate the Bradford Railroad and Coal. Company," api)roved the twenty-eighth day of May, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and forty.
Act of 1857 · P.L. 667 · May 6, 1857 · Scanned page
To iDcorporatti the Fay,ctte County Railroad Company.
Act 701 of 1857 · P.L. 667 · May 6, 1857 · Scanned page
Supplement to the act to incorporate the Bradford Raih-oad and Coal Conijianv, approved the twenty-eightli day of May, one thousand eight liundred and forty.
Act 703 of 1857 · P.L. 668 · May 20, 1857 · Scanned page
Relative to the Reduction or Abrogation of Duties on Railroad Iron.
Act 5 of 1857 · P.L. 672 · February 13, 1857 · Scanned page
Supplementary to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Sinking Springs, Berks county," approved the twelfth day of April,. one thousand eight hundred and forty-three.
Act 705 of 1857 · P.L. 684 · February 13, 1857 · Scanned page
To incorporate the Commercial Fire Insurance Company of Pennsylvania
Act 706 of 1857 · P.L. 685 · February 23, 1857 · Scanned page
To incorporate the Philadelphia, Reading and Pottsville Telegraph Company.
Act 707 of 1857 · P.L. 689 · April 10, 1857 · Scanned page
To change the Names of Mary Ann Loudenslager, George G. Loudenslager and Bartholomew G. Loudenslager to Louden.
Act 709 of 1857 · P.L. 695 · March 6, 1857 · Scanned page
To incorporate the Reading, Lebanon and Ilarrisburg Telegraph
Act 710 of 1857 · P.L. 695 · March 12, 1857 · Scanned page
Relative to the Spring Garden Health Insurance Company of Philadelphia county.
Act 711 of 1857 · P.L. 699 · February 12, 1857 · Scanned page
Authorizing Joseph S. Riley to sell certain Real Estate of Benjamin Sharpe, deceased.
Act 712 of 1857 · P.L. 700 · February 19, 1857 · Scanned page
To change the name of George L. Cobb to George L.
Act 713 of 1857 · P.L. 702 · February 15, 1857 · Scanned page
To incorporate tlie Odd Fellows Hall Association of Downingtown, in Ciiestor county; and to change tiie names of John Robinson to John Bell Robinson, of Levi Duck to Levi Dock, of Isaac Duck to Isaac Dock, and of Henry Duck to Henry Dock.
Act 714 of 1857 · P.L. 702 · March 24, 1857 · Scanned page
To incorporate the German Reformed Congregation of Bedford and vicinity, and autliorizing said Congregation to purchase certain Real Estate.
Act 715 of 1857 · P.L. 704 · April 3, 1857 · Scanned page
Incorporating the Coudersport, Portage and Allegheny River Railroad Company.
Act 716 of 1857 · P.L. 706 · April 12, 1857 · Scanned page
To incorporate the Spring Garden Saving Fund Society.
Act 717 of 1857 · P.L. 707 · April 14, 1857 · Scanned page
To incorporate the Ligonier and Latrobe Railroad Company.
Act 719 of 1857 · P.L. 710 · April 15, 1857 · Scanned page
To incorporate the Littlestown Railroad Company.
Act 720 of 1857 · P.L. 711 · February 27, 1857 · Scanned page
By decade
Constitution of 18741874–1967
Constitution of 17761776–1789
- 1780s 567
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.