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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. Prohibiting the Fishing with Gill Nets in the river Lehigh.

    Act 339 of 1858 · P.L. 305 · April 16, 1858 · Scanned page

  2. To lay out a State Road from Jacob Wengert's premises, on the Newmanstown Road, in Lebanon county, via Missemer's Station, on the Lebanon Valley Railroad, to the Berks and Dauphin Turnpike, in Berks county. al the point where the Millbach Road intersects with said Turnpike.

    Act of 1858 · P.L. 306 · April 16, 1858 · Scanned page

  3. Relative to the Bridge over Clarion river, at the mouth of Mill

    Act 342 of 1858 · P.L. 308 · April 16, 1858 · Scanned page

  4. Concerning the Lehigh Luzerne Railroad

    Act 343 of 1858 · P.L. 308 · April 16, 1858 · Scanned page

  5. Relating to Liens of Common Carriers, and others.

    Act 344 of 1858 · P.L. 309 · March 16, 1858 · Scanned page

  6. To authorize the sale of the Real Estate of the Indiana Academy and Indiana Female Seminary, in the borough of Indiana.

    Act 345 of 1858 · P.L. 310 · April 15, 1858 · Scanned page

  7. To authorize the Trustees of the First Baptist Church of the city of Philadelphia, to couvey certain Real Estate.

    Act 346 of 1858 · P.L. 311 · April 16, 1858 · Scanned page

  8. Eelating to the Orphans' Court of Centre county.

    Act 347 of 1858 · P.L. 312 · April 16, 1858 · Scanned page

  9. Supplement to an act for the Protection of Sheep and Taxing of Dogs in the county of Blair.

    Act 348 of 1858 · P.L. 312 · April 16, 1858 · Scanned page

  10. Supplement to an act relative to certain Courts in the city and county of Philadelphia.

    Act 349 of 1858 · P.L. 313 · April 16, 1858 · Scanned page

  11. Supplementary to the act to incorporate the Philadelphia and Sunbury Telegraph Company.

    Act 350 of 1858 · P.L. 314 · April 16, 1858 · Scanned page

  12. Authorizing the Canal Commissioners to examine into the Claim of Moder- ■well and Longenecker, of Lancaster county, for damages sustained on the Columbia and Philadelphia Railroad.

    Act 351 of 1858 · P.L. 315 · April 16, 1858 · Scanned page

  13. Relative to the Farm of Jacob Allwine, in Westmoreland county.

    Act 352 of 1858 · P.L. 316 · April 16, 1858 · Scanned page

  14. Supplement to an act relating to certain Townships, Boroughs and Election Districts, approved the eleventh March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.

    Act 353 of 1858 · P.L. 316 · April 16, 1858 · Scanned page

  15. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Greensburg Gas and Water Company, approved the first day of April, one thousand eight hundred and fiftyeight.

    Act 355 of 1858 · P.L. 318 · April 16, 1858 · Scanned page

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

    Act 356 of 1858 · P.L. 318 · April 16, 1858 · Scanned page

  17. To incorporate the Eastern Insurance Company.

    Act 358 of 1858 · P.L. 320 · March 11, 1858 · Scanned page

  18. To incorporate the Fairraount and Arch Street City Passenger Railway Company.

    Act 359 of 1858 · P.L. 320 · April 16, 1858 · Scanned page

  19. Supplement to the act incorporating the "White Deer Bridge Company, approved the twenty-third day of Marcli, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fortynine.

    Act 360 of 1858 · P.L. 324 · April 16, 1858 · Scanned page

  20. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Lehigh and Delaware Plank Road and Turnpilie Company.

    Act 361 of 1858 · P.L. 324 · April 16, 1858 · Scanned page

  21. Supplement to an act providing for the Publication of certain Accounts in Somerset county.

    Act 362 of 1858 · P.L. 325 · April 16, 1858 · Scanned page

  22. To establish Higb and Low Water Lines in the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers, in the vicinity of Pittsburg, in Allegheny county.

    Act 363 of 1858 · P.L. 326 · April 16, 1858 · Scanned page

  23. Fixing a uniform period for holding Township and Borough Elections ia Jefferson county.

    Act 364 of 1858 · P.L. 328 · April 16, 1858 · Scanned page

  24. To authorize the Canal Commissioners to examine the claim of William M. Jeffries, of Mififlin county.

    Act 365 of 1858 · P.L. 328 · April 16, 1858 · Scanned page

  25. Authorizing the Canal Commissioners to examine the claim of Benjamin II. Fredericks, for damages sustained on the West Branch division of the Pennsylvania canal.

    Act 366 of 1858 · P.L. 329 · April 16, 1858 · Scanned page

  26. Relating to certain Corporation Taxes due the Commonwealth.

    Act 367 of 1858 · P.L. 329 · April 14, 1858 · Scanned page

  27. To iQCorporate the West Philadelphia Manufkctiuing Company.

    Act 368 of 1858 · P.L. 329 · April 14, 1858 · Scanned page

  28. To incorporate the Mumniasburg Mutual Fire Protection Company.

    Act of 1858 · P.L. 331 · April 8, 1858 · Scanned page

  29. To repeal the act of February, one thousand eight hundred and furty-eigbt, so far as it rehites to the county of Chester.

    Act 370 of 1858 · P.L. 332 · April 19, 1858 · Scanned page

  30. Relative to Moneys due to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

    Act 371 of 1858 · P.L. 333 · April 19, 1858 · Scanned page

  31. Supplement to an act, entitled « An Act approved the seventeenth day of March, A. D. one thousand eight huudrud and fifty-eight," authorizing the Canal Commissioners to examine the Claim of Thomas Morley, late of Wyoming.

    Act 372 of 1858 · P.L. 333 · April 19, 1858 · Scanned page

  32. To aathorize the borough of HolUdaysbarg to Borrow Money.

    Act 373 of 1858 · P.L. 333 · April 20, 1858 · Scanned page

  33. Establishing a Public Wharf or Landing in the borough of Birminghanij in the county of Allegheny.

    Act 375 of 1858 · P.L. 336 · April 19, 1858 · Scanned page

  34. To consolidate the M'Cauley Mountain Railroad Company -nith the Cohinibia Coal and Iron Company.

    Act 376 of 1858 · P.L. 338 · April 19, 1858 · Scanned page

  35. To incorporate the Towns of Stewartsville and Chest Spring Village, in the county ol' Cambria, into a Borough.

    Act 377 of 1858 · P.L. 339 · April 19, 1858 · Scanned page

  36. To incorporate the Borough of Monongahela.

    Act 378 of 1858 · P.L. 341 · April 8, 1858 · Scanned page

  37. Supplement to the act incorporating the Wellsboro' and Tioga Plank Road Company.

    Act 379 of 1858 · P.L. 342 · April 19, 1858 · Scanned page

  38. Supplement to an act, eiititk-d " An Act granting aid to the Orphans' Asylum Society of Pittsburg and Allegheny," approved the fourteenth of February, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight.

    Act 380 of 1858 · P.L. 343 · April 19, 1858 · Scanned page

  39. Making Compensation to William Hart, for injuries incurred in the Public Service.

    Act 381 of 1858 · P.L. 343 · March 10, 1858 · Scanned page

  40. Relative to the sale of the Warren Bridge over the Kiskiminetas river, in Armstrong and Westmoreland counties. Sectiox 1.

    Act 383 of 1858 · P.L. 345 · April 20, 1858 · Scanned page

  41. In regard to the Name of Nelson Township, Tioga county.

    Act 384 of 1858 · P.L. 346 · April 20, 1858 · Scanned page

  42. To regulate the Borough Elections in the borough of Williamsport, Lycoming county.

    Act 385 of 1858 · P.L. 346 · April 20, 1858 · Scanned page

  43. Supplement to the act to incorporate the Cit}of Philadelphia.

    Act 386 of 1858 · P.L. 347 · April 20, 1858 · Scanned page

  44. Authorizing the Canal Commissioners to examine the Claims of Lewis S. Coryell, for Damages and Lands occupied.

    Act 387 of 1858 · P.L. 348 · April 20, 1858 · Scanned page

  45. To incorporate the Beaver Dam Plank Road and Turnpike Road Company.

    Act 388 of 1858 · P.L. 348 · April 20, 1858 · Scanned page

  46. For the Removal of the State Powder Magazine from the city of Phila' delphia. SECTro>' 1.

    Act 389 of 1858 · P.L. 349 · April 20, 1858 · Scanned page

  47. To authorize the Auditor General to exaruine the Vouchers and Chainis of Samuel D. Brobst, as Supervisor on the North Branch canal.

    Act 390 of 1858 · P.L. 350 · 1858 · Scanned page

  48. To empower the Commissioners of Venango county to purchase the French Creek Bridge at Franklin.

    Act 391 of 1858 · P.L. 351 · April 20, 1858 · Scanned page

  49. Supplement to the act incovporating the Six-penny Saving Fund of Philadelphia, ap' proved the fifth day of April, Auuo Domini one thousand eight hundred and fiftyfour.

    Act 392 of 1858 · P.L. 352 · April 20, 1858 · Scanned page

  50. To Correct an act, entitled "An Act to divide the Borough of Johnstown into Wards.

    Act 393 of 1858 · P.L. 352 · April 20, 1858 · Scanned page

  51. Supplement to the act incorporating the Hopewell and Bloody Run Turnpike and Plank Road Company.

    Act 394 of 1858 · P.L. 353 · April 20, 1858 · Scanned page

  52. Establishing a mode of Selecting and Drawing Jnrors in and for the city of Philadelphia.

    Act 395 of 1858 · P.L. 354 · April 20, 1858 · Scanned page

  53. Eelatfeg to- Coal, Canal and Navigation

    Act 396 of 1858 · P.L. 356 · April 20, 1858 · Scanned page

  54. Relative to Plank Road Companies in the counties of Wayne and Pike.

    Act 397 of 1858 · P.L. 357 · April 20, 1858 · Scanned page

  55. Autliorizing the laying out of a State Road from Queenstown, Armstrong county, to Enilinton, in Venango county.

    Act 398 of 1858 · P.L. 357 · April 20, 1858 · Scanned page

  56. Supplement to an act relating to Road Laws in Chester and Lancaster counties, approved the twenty-eighth day of April, Aauo Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven.

    Act 399 of 1858 · P.L. 359 · April 20, 1858 · Scanned page

  57. Declaratory of mi act incorporating the Philadelphia and Savannah Steam Navigation Company, approved the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-one.

    Act 400 of 1858 · P.L. 359 · April 20, 1858 · Scanned page

  58. To refund Certain Moneys to Joseph

    Act 401 of 1858 · P.L. 360 · April 20, 1858 · Scanned page

  59. Supplement to the act, entitled "An Act regulating Lateral Railroads," passed May fifth, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two.

    Act 402 of 1858 · P.L. 361 · April 20, 1858 · Scanned page

  60. To incorporate the Antrim and State Line Turnpike Road Company.

    Act 403 of 1858 · P.L. 362 · April 20, 1858 · Scanned page

  61. Supplement to an act relating to the Attachment of Vessels.

    Act 404 of 1858 · P.L. 363 · April 20, 1858 · Scanned page

  62. Supplement to an act to Regulate the Sale of Intoxicating Liquora, approved the thirty-first of iMarch, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fiftysix.

    Act 405 of 1858 · P.L. 365 · April 20, 1858 · Scanned page

  63. For the better preservation of Game and Insectiverous Birds.

    Act 406 of 1858 · P.L. 371 · April 21, 1858 · Scanned page

  64. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the West Chester Railroad Company," approved the eighteenth day of February, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-one.

    Act 407 of 1858 · P.L. 372 · April 21, 1858 · Scanned page

  65. To divide the Borough of Schuylkill Haven, in the county of Schuylkill, into four separate Wards, and to authori;ie the Election of Justices of the Peace and Town Councilmen, &c.

    Act 408 of 1858 · P.L. 373 · April 21, 1858 · Scanned page

  66. To provide for the ordinary expenses of Government, the repairs of the Public Canals, and other general and special appropriations.

    Act 409 of 1858 · P.L. 375 · April 21, 1858 · Scanned page

  67. Supplement to the act relating to Limited Partnership?, approved twcnty-flrst Marchi one thousand eight hundred and thirty-six.

    Act 410 of 1858 · P.L. 383 · April 21, 1858 · Scanned page

  68. Supplement to an act to provide for the Erection of a House for the Employment and Support of the Poor, for the county of Luzerne.

    Act 412 of 1858 · P.L. 387 · April 21, 1858 · Scanned page

  69. To authorize the Canal Coiamissioners to examine the claim of J. S.

    Act 415 of 1858 · P.L. 391 · April 21, 1858 · Scanned page

  70. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Philadelphia and Harhy Railroad Company, approved April eighteenth, one thousand eight hundred and filty-seven.

    Act 416 of 1858 · P.L. 391 · April 21, 1858 · Scanned page

  71. For the Improvement of the Alieglieny River.

    Act 417 of 1858 · P.L. 392 · April 21, 1858 · Scanned page

  72. To aDtrnl tlio Marriage Contract between John Dienier and Margaret Ann, his wife.

    Act 418 of 1858 · P.L. 393 · April 21, 1858 · Scanned page

  73. Supplement to an act relative to the Inspection of Liquors.

    Act 419 of 1858 · P.L. 393 · 1858 · Scanned page

  74. To consolidate the Susquehanna Boom Company and the Loyalsock Boom Company.

    Act 420 of 1858 · P.L. 394 · April 21, 1858 · Scanned page

  75. To authorize the Auditor General to re-examine and adjust the Accounts of Theo. Fenn and Company, late State Printers. Sectio.v 1.

    Act 421 of 1858 · P.L. 395 · April 21, 1858 · Scanned page

  76. Relative to the Distribution of the Final Report of the Geological Survey of the State.

    Act 423 of 1858 · P.L. 396 · April 21, 1858 · Scanned page

  77. To the seventy-second Section of the Act of sixteenth June, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and thirty-six, relating to Executions against Corporations.

    Act 424 of 1858 · P.L. 398 · April 21, 1858 · Scanned page

  78. To incorporate the Central Passenger Railway Company.

    Act 425 of 1858 · P.L. 399 · April 21, 1858 · Scanned page

  79. Supplement to An act to inoorporatothe Kensington Gas Company, paMed April fotnth, one thousand eight hundred and

    Act 426 of 1858 · P.L. 399 · April 21, 1858 · Scanned page

  80. To vest in Mrs. Mary Kannnwski.late Mary Bader, the claim, interest, right and title of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in and to a certain legacy given to Israel Bader, deceased, (who died without heirs or next of kin,) in and by the will of Henry Transue, deceased, late of the township of Saucon, in the county of Northampton, in said Commonwealth.

    Act 427 of 1858 · P.L. 401 · April 21, 1858 · Scanned page

  81. Kelative to the Removal of the Transfer of Stock Books of Loans, now in the Bank of Pennsylvania.

    Act 428 of 1858 · P.L. 402 · April 21, 1858 · Scanned page

  82. To authorise the Service of Procesa in case of Non-residents doing business in this Commonwealth.

    Act 429 of 1858 · P.L. 403 · 1858 · Scanned page

  83. Supplement to an act to incorporate the United States Guano Company, approved the nineteenth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-six.

    Act 431 of 1858 · P.L. 405 · April 21, 1858 · Scanned page

  84. Relating to Roads and Highways in the county of Venango.

    Act 432 of 1858 · P.L. 405 · April 21, 1858 · Scanned page

  85. Authorizing the Canal Commissioners to examine the Claim of Isaac Beidelspach for Damages.

    Act 433 of 1858 · P.L. 406 · April 21, 1858 · Scanned page

  86. Supplement to an act, entitled '« An Act authorizing the Canal Commissioners to examine the Claims of Daniel A. Bardwell," approved the seventeenth day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight.

    Act 434 of 1858 · P.L. 407 · April 21, 1858 · Scanned page

  87. Relating to the Commissioners of Franklin county.

    Act 435 of 1858 · P.L. 407 · April 21, 1858 · Scanned page

  88. For the Relief of John

    Act 436 of 1858 · P.L. 408 · April 21, 1858 · Scanned page

  89. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Waynesburg College, in Greene county, approred the twenty-fifth of March, one thousand eight hundred and fifty.

    Act 438 of 1858 · P.L. 408 · 1858 · Scanned page

  90. Supplement to an act approved the fourteenth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and forty-six, entitled " An Act laying a Tax on Dogs in the borough of West Chester, and certain townships in the county of Chester, and for other purposes.

    Act 437 of 1858 · P.L. 409 · April 21, 1858 · Scanned page

  91. Supplement to an act approved the eleventh day of March, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-three, authorizing the Shrewsbury and Hopewell Plank Road Company of York County, to repeal a portion of said law, and authorizing the sale of said road.

    Act 439 of 1858 · P.L. 410 · April 21, 1858 · Scanned page

  92. Authorizing the Canal Commissioners to examine the claim of Walters, Slifer and Company.

    Act 440 of 1858 · P.L. 410 · 1858 · Scanned page

  93. Authorizing the Canal Commissioners to examine the claim of TValters, Slifer and Company.

    Act 441 of 1858 · P.L. 411 · April 21, 1858 · Scanned page

  94. Supplement to an act to incorporate the American Academy of Music, approved March twenty-fourth, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two.

    Act 442 of 1858 · P.L. 412 · April 21, 1858 · Scanned page

  95. Authorizing Savings Institutions, Insurance and Trust Companies and Loan Associations to make investments in Ground Rents.

    Act 443 of 1858 · P.L. 412 · April 21, 1858 · Scanned page

  96. Relating to Illegitimate Children.

    Act 444 of 1858 · P.L. 413 · April 21, 1858 · Scanned page

  97. For the bcU^r Securing to the Commonwealth the Payment of Taxes dae by incorporated companies.

    Act 446 of 1858 · P.L. 418 · April 22, 1858 · Scanned page

  98. For the better Securing to the Commonwealth the Payment of Taxes due by incorporated companies.

    Act of 1858 · P.L. 419 · April 21, 1858 · Scanned page

  99. For the Ri-^gulation of the Militia of this Commonwealth.

    Act 447 of 1858 · P.L. 421 · April 21, 1858 · Scanned page

  100. To incorporate the Green and Coates Street Philadelphia Passenger Rail- Avay Company.

    Act 448 of 1858 · P.L. 447 · April 21, 1858 · 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.