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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

7,883 laws of the 1860s

Constitution of 1838

  1. To increase the pay of jurors, and so forth, in the county of Luzerne.

    Act 167 of 1865 · P.L. 177 · February 17, 1865 · Scanned page

  2. Gin '^jct 7o authorize the examination and.settlement of the claim of Mrs. S. Richards Boyle, administratrix of Major John A. Boyle, of the One Hundred and Eleventh regiment, Pennsylvania volunteers, who was killed in tattle, October twenty-ninth, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three.

    Act 168 of 1865 · P.L. 178 · February 17, 1865 · Scanned page

  3. increase the eompensalion of the county commissioners, county auditors, and jurors, of Pike county.

    Act 169 of 1865 · P.L. 179 · February 17, 1865 · Scanned page

  4. Establishing the Fite'a Eddy ferry.

    Act of 1865 · P.L. 180 · February 17, 1865 · Scanned page

  5. Relative to the purchase of a law library, in the county of Butlw.

    Act 170 of 1865 · P.L. 180 · February 17, 1865 · Scanned page

  6. authorize the sehool directors of the boron gh of Sharon, in Merce •oountj, to borrow ncoEey, to erect a public sehool house, in said boi ough.

    Act 173 of 1865 · P.L. 183 · February 17, 1865 · Scanned page

  7. To authorize the school directors of Wayne township, Greene cozinty, to lay an additional tax to pay bonnties. Section^ 1.

    Act 174 of 1865 · P.L. 184 · February 17, 1865 · Scanned page

  8. Relative to the payment of bounties, in the borough of Allentown, Lehigh county.

    Act 175 of 1865 · P.L. 185 · February 17, 1865 · Scanned page

  9. Supplement to an act incorporating the town of Marietta, in the county of Lancaster, into a borough, to authorize said borough to increase its indebtedness.

    Act 176 of 1865 · P.L. 186 · February 17, 1865 · Scanned page

  10. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Youghiogheny Shaft Company, approved the third day of May, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixtyfour, authorizing an increase of its capital stock, and changing the par value thereof.

    Act 177 of 1865 · P.L. 186 · February 17, 1865 · Scanned page

  11. To authorize the road commissioners of Sugar Grove, Warren county, to levy additional road tax.

    Act 178 of 1865 · P.L. 187 · February 17, 1865 · Scanned page

  12. To authorize the school directors of East Brunswig township, and the auditors of West Penn township, Schuylkill county, to levy a tax for the purpose of paying bounties.

    Act 179 of 1865 · P.L. 188 · February 17, 1865 · Scanned page

  13. Supplement to an act, explanatory of an act, approved August nineteenth, one thousand eight hundred and sixtyfour, in relation to the payment of bounties, in the county of Berks.

    Act of 1865 · P.L. 189 · February 17, 1865 · Scanned page

  14. Authorizing the board of school directors of Leacock township, Lancaster county, to levy an additional bounty tax.

    Act of 1865 · P.L. 190 · February 17, 1865 · Scanned page

  15. To reduce the width of North street, in the borough of Phofjnixville, in Chester county.

    Act 184 of 1865 · P.L. 191 · February 17, 1865 · Scanned page

  16. Authorizing the, commissieners of Delaware county to exchange certain lands.

    Act 185 of 1865 · P.L. 192 · February 17, 1865 · Scanned page

  17. To incorporate the Tionesta Bridge Company.

    Act 186 of 1865 · P.L. 192 · February 17, 1865 · Scanned page

  18. Additional privileges granted- Trustees to be elected. Votes. Capital stock may be increased. Proviso. Subscriptions to stock. Location of principal office. To an act to incorporate the Humboldt Petroleum Works, approved Aogust tenth, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four.

    Act 187 of 1865 · P.L. 194 · February 17, 1865 · Scanned page

  19. Supplement to an act incorporating the Central Coal Company, approved April tenth, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-one.

    Act 188 of 1865 · P.L. 195 · February 18, 1865 · Scanned page

  20. Granting a pension to William Keller.

    Act 189 of 1865 · P.L. 195 · February 24, 1865 · Scanned page

  21. uppkmcttt Tp an act for tlie pro.tection of sheep and taxing of dogs, in tlie county of Blair, approved twenty-first day of March, one thousand eight hundred and fiftynine.

    Act 190 of 1865 · P.L. 196 · February 27, 1865 · Scanned page

  22. Entitled "An Act enabling the burgess and town council of the borough of Tarentum to levy and collect a tax for the payment and refunding of certain debts, in said borough.

    Act 193 of 1865 · P.L. 198 · February 27, 1865 · Scanned page

  23. To increase the pay of jurors and witnesses, in Northampton county.

    Act 198 of 1865 · P.L. 202 · February 27, 1865 · Scanned page

  24. To extend an act, approved March, eighteenth, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixtyfour, for Wyoming county, to the county of Bradford, relating to the appointment of bridge reviewers.

    Act 199 of 1865 · P.L. 203 · February 27, 1865 · Scanned page

  25. To incorporate the White Haven Water Company, and to authorize the burgess and town council of the borough of White Haven to sell and convey the water works of said borough to said company.

    Act 200 of 1865 · P.L. 203 · February 27, 1865 · Scanned page

  26. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Independent Red Men Hall Association, of Philadelphia, approved February seventh, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixtyfive.

    Act 201 of 1865 · P.L. 205 · February 27, 1865 · Scanned page

  27. To prevent the killing of deer, in the county of Forest.

    Act 202 of 1865 · P.L. 205 · February 27, 1865 · Scanned page

  28. For the relief of Brinton & Wilson, bankers, of the borough of West Chester, for moneys overpaid bj them to the

    Act 203 of 1865 · P.L. 206 · February 27, 1865 · Scanned page

  29. Authorizing the school directors of West Cocalico and Conoy townshipg, Lancaster county, to levy a special bounty tax.

    Act 204 of 1865 · P.L. 207 · February 27, 1865 · Scanned page

  30. To authorize a duly appointed committee of Brecknock township, Lancaster county, to levy an additional bounty tax, and to legalize and make valid certain taxes by them heretofore le ried. Preamble. WnEREAS, At a public meeting held by the citizens of Brecknock township, Lancaster county, a special committee having been appointed for the purpose of procuring a sufficient number of volunteers,

    Act 205 of 1865 · P.L. 208 · February 27, 1865 · Scanned page

  31. To incorporate the Johnstown Hotel Company.

    Act 207 of 1865 · P.L. 209 · February 27, 1865 · Scanned page

  32. Gin g^n delating to bounties, in varieus districts, in Allegheny courrvy,.

    Act 210 of 1865 · P.L. 213 · February 27, 1865 · Scanned page

  33. No. 2U. Selarti^g'to'bou'Bties, in Washington township, in the county

    Act 211 of 1865 · P.L. 213 · February 27, 1865 · Scanned page

  34. To aiitliorize the levy and collection of a tax, to pay fcounties, in tile Eighth ward, city of Pittsburg.

    Act 212 of 1865 · P.L. 214 · February 27, 1865 · Scanned page

  35. Relative to roa^s, in Edgmont township, Delaware county.

    Act 213 of 1865 · P.L. 215 · February 27, 1865 · Scanned page

  36. Authorizing the burgess and town council of the borough of Manchester to assess, levy and collect a tax, for bounty purposes.

    Act 216 of 1865 · P.L. 217 · February 27, 1865 · Scanned page

  37. Relative to the pay of the county coniniissioners and auditors, and borough and townsliip assessors, iu-the county of Lawrence.

    Act 218 of 1865 · P.L. 218 · February 27, 1865 · Scanned page

  38. Relating to the military or commutation taxes, in the county of Warren.

    Act 219 of 1865 · P.L. 219 · February 27, 1865 · Scanned page

  39. For the relief of Christian Hermann.

    Act 220 of 1865 · P.L. 219 · February 27, 1865 · Scanned page

  40. Relating to bonds and recognizances of bail, in the court of quarter sessions of Erie county.

    Act 221 of 1865 · P.L. 220 · February 27, 1865 · Scanned page

  41. Relative to the payment of bonnties, in the township of Hanover, Lehigh county.

    Act 223 of 1865 · P.L. 221 · February 27, 1865 · Scanned page

  42. To authorize the board of school directors of Versailles township, Allegheny county, to levy and collect a per capita tax, for school purposes.

    Act of 1865 · P.L. 222 · February 27, 1865 · Scanned page

  43. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Malleable Iron Company, and to empower them to purchase real estate.

    Act of 1865 · P.L. 223 · February 27, 1865 · Scanned page

  44. Relative to the Bank of Delaware County.

    Act 227 of 1865 · P.L. 224 · February 27, 1865 · Scanned page

  45. Empowering railroad companies to employ police force.

    Act 228 of 1865 · P.L. 225 · February 27, 1865 · Scanned page

  46. Authorizing the school directors of the First ward, city of Allegheny, to assess, levj and collect a tax, for bountj purposes.

    Act 229 of 1865 · P.L. 226 · February 27, 1865 · Scanned page

  47. To confirm tke title of Hannah Fogle to a certain piece of land.

    Act 230 of 1865 · P.L. 227 · February 27, 1865 · Scanned page

  48. Authorizing the school directors of the borough of Franklin, in Venango county, to borrow money.

    Act 231 of 1865 · P.L. 228 · February 27, 1865 · Scanned page

  49. To extend the provisions of an act, entitled "An Act to authorize the school dioectors of Chester and Delaware counties to select sites for school houses," passed May eighth, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-four, and its supplement, entitled "An Act supplementary to an act to authorize the school directors of Chester and Delaware counties to select sites for school

    Act 232 of 1865 · P.L. 228 · February 27, 1865 · Scanned page

  50. Authorizing the citizens of Nockamixon township, Bucks county, to levy a tax, to pay indebtedness incurred by paying bounties to volunteers.

    Act 233 of 1865 · P.L. 229 · February 27, 1865 · Scanned page

  51. Relati 7e to the payment of bounties by the county of Clearfield.

    Act 235 of 1865 · P.L. 231 · February 27, 1865 · Scanned page

  52. OF THE SESSION OP 1865. 233 No. 237. ^X\ ^Kt •To authorize tlie board of school directors of the borough of Bloody Run, in the county of Bedford, to use surplus school fund for building purposes.

    Act of 1865 · P.L. 233 · February 27, 1865 · Scanned page

  53. Relative to the payment of bounties to volunteers, in the townships of Middlesex and Newton, in the county of Cumberland. Preamble. Whbreas, The school directors of the townships of Middlesex and Newton, in the county of Cumberland, for the purpose of filling the quota of said townships, under the call of the President of the United States for five hundred thousand men, borrowed, and paid

    Act 239 of 1865 · P.L. 234 · February 27, 1865 · Scanned page

  54. To incorporate the Manufacturers' and Merchants' Insurance Company of Pittsburg.

    Act 242 of 1865 · P.L. 237 · February 28, 1865 · Scanned page

  55. To axi act to incorporate the city of Philadelphia, relating to Fire Alarm and Police Telegraph.

    Act 243 of 1865 · P.L. 238 · February 28, 1865 · Scanned page

  56. To incorporate the Farmers' Union Market of Phlladelpbia.

    Act 244 of 1865 · P.L. 239 · February 28, 1865 · Scanned page

  57. Supplement To an act to incorporate the Pittsburg Gas Company, approved the sixteenth day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fortyeight, and the supplement thereto, approved the thirtyfirst day of January, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty, fixing the hour of election, and the price of gaa to private consumers.

    Act 245 of 1865 · P.L. 240 · February 28, 1865 · Scanned page

  58. Authorizing the Society of Guardians, for the relief of the widows of German Reformed clergymen, members of the society, extending the provisions of their charter, obtained from the Supreme Court of this commonwealth, under act of one thousand seven hundred and ninetyone, so as to enlarge the powers of the society, to enable it to elect and receive, as members, ministers from other states, and

    Act 246 of 1865 · P.L. 241 · February 28, 1865 · Scanned page

  59. OF THE SESSION OP 1865. 243 "^0 the act to incorporate the Youghiogheny Coal Hollow Coal Company, approved March seventeenth, one thousand eight hundred and sixtythree, changing the name of said company, and increasing the numher of shares of stock to be issued by the same.

    Act of 1865 · P.L. 243 · February 28, 1865 · Scanned page

  60. To authorize the school directors of the borough of M'Keesport, Allegheny county, to levy an additional tax, for the payment of bounties tovolunteers.

    Act 2 of 1865 · P.L. 246 · February 28, 1865 · Scanned page

  61. Supplement to an act to correct an error in the act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Kensington and New Jersey Ferry Company," approved May fourth, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixtyfour.

    Act 251 of 1865 · P.L. 247 · February 28, 1865 · Scanned page

  62. Relating to bounty taxes, in Rush township, Susquehanna county. WnEREAS, Norman Granger, of Rush township, Susquehanna county, advanced the sum of two hundred and twelve dollars, for the purpose of filling the quota of said township, under the call of the President of the United States, of July eighteenth. Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty four : And whereas, It is just and

    Act 253 of 1865 · P.L. 248 · February 28, 1865 · Scanned page

  63. To incorporate the Moosic Powder Company.

    Act 254 of 1865 · P.L. 249 · February 28, 1865 · Scanned page

  64. To incorporate the Episcopalian Newspaper Publishing Company.

    Act 256 of 1865 · P.L. 252 · February 28, 1865 · Scanned page

  65. Relating to the determination of tenancies, in oartain cases, in Philadelphia.

    Act 257 of 1865 · P.L. 253 · February 28, 1865 · Scanned page

  66. To incorporate the Beater Press Hay Company, of York and Adams counties.

    Act 259 of 1865 · P.L. 256 · March 1, 1865 · Scanned page

  67. Gin g^ct Referring to bonnties, in certain districts, in the county of Allegheny.

    Act 260 of 1865 · P.L. 258 · March 1, 1865 · Scanned page

  68. To increase the fees of certain county and township officers, and jurors and witnesses, in the county of Beaver.

    Act 261 of 1865 · P.L. 259 · March 1, 1865 · Scanned page

  69. Supplement to an act, approved August nineteenth, one thousand eight hundred and sixtyfour, entitled "An Act relating to the payment of bounties, in the county of Berks.

    Act 262 of 1865 · P.L. 259 · March 1, 1865 · Scanned page

  70. To extend the provisions of the third section of an act, approved the twenty-fitth day of August, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and.sixtyfour, entitled "A supplement to an act relating to the payment of bounties to volunteers, approved the twenty-fifth day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixtyfour," to the counties of Tioga, Butler and Indiana.

    Act 263 of 1865 · P.L. 260 · March 1, 1865 · Scanned page

  71. an act to incorporate and endow the Pennsylvania Institution for the Instruction of the Blind.

    Act 264 of 1865 · P.L. 261 · March 2, 1865 · Scanned page

  72. The refiuiug or mauufacturing of petroleum, within certain limits, probibited. Restrictions as to storage of the same. License therefor to be obtained from the mayor, upon eertilioate of fire marshal. Persons, who have erected iron tanks, &c., not liable to provisions, until one year after passage of act. Proviso. gin ^tt For the better security of the city of Philadelphia from dangers,

    Act 265 of 1865 · P.L. 262 · March 2, 1865 · Scanned page

  73. To unite tae colleges of Jefferson and Washington, In the county of Washington, and to erect the same into one corporation, binder the name of Washington and Jefferson College.

    Act 267 of 1865 · P.L. 265 · March 4, 1865 · Scanned page

  74. To aut'aorize William L. Wilkinson to sell and convey certain real -estate, in the borough of Uniontown, and county of Fayette. \ Secticvx 1.

    Act 268 of 1865 · P.L. 271 · March 4, 1865 · Scanned page

  75. To prevent cattle, horse.?, sheep and hogs from running at large, 'in the county of Franklin.

    Act 269 of 1865 · P.L. 271 · March 4, 1865 · Scanned page

  76. Supplementary to an act for the relief of wives deserted by their husbands, in the county of Berks, approved May third, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four.

    Act 270 of 1865 · P.L. 272 · March 4, 1865 · Scanned page

  77. To authorize the chief bnrgess and town council of the borough of Columbia to borrow money, for the purpose of building a hall and nxarket house.

    Act 271 of 1865 · P.L. 273 · March 4, 1865 · Scanned page

  78. Explanatory of an act, appr< ved the eighth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four, entitled "A further supplement to an act, entitled 'A supplement to an act to regulate the sale of intoxicating liquors, approved April twentieth, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight.'

    Act 272 of 1865 · P.L. 274 · March 4, 1865 · Scanned page

  79. To authorize the directors of the poor of Schuylkill county to sell land.

    Act 273 of 1865 · P.L. 274 · March 4, 1865 · Scanned page

  80. For the pr >servation of sheep, and for the compensatioD of owners of sheep, destroyed by dogs, by a tax on dogs, in Camberland county.

    Act 275 of 1865 · P.L. 276 · March 4, 1865 · Scanned page

  81. To enable the school directors of Perkiomen township, Montgomery county, to levy and collect an extra tax, for bounty purposes.

    Act 276 of 1865 · P.L. 277 · March 8, 1865 · Scanned page

  82. Relative to bounties, in the Fourth ward, Allegheny city.

    Act 277 of 1865 · P.L. 278 · March 8, 1865 · Scanned page

  83. To authorize the commipsioners of Delaware county to pay bounty to drafted men.

    Act 278 of 1865 · P.L. 279 · March 8, 1865 · Scanned page

  84. Relating to bounties, m certain districts, in the county of Allegheny.

    Act 279 of 1865 · P.L. 279 · March 8, 1865 · Scanned page

  85. To authorize the supervisors of Middlebury, Sullivan, Covington and Jackson townships, Tioga county, to pay bounties to volunteers and drafted men.

    Act 280 of 1865 · P.L. 280 · March 8, 1865 · Scanned page

  86. Authorizing the authorities of the borough of Adamstown, and the board of school directors of the township of East Cooalico, in the county otf Lancaster, to levy a special bounty tax.

    Act 281 of 1865 · P.L. 281 · March 8, 1865 · Scanned page

  87. In relation to payment of bounties to drafted men.

    Act 282 of 1865 · P.L. 282 · March 8, 1865 · Scanned page

  88. Relative to bounties, in Washington and Lower Mahanoy townships, Northumberland county.

    Act 283 of 1865 · P.L. 283 · March 8, 1865 · Scanned page

  89. Relating to bounties, in the Second ward, Allegheny city.

    Act 284 of 1865 · P.L. 283 · March 8, 1865 · Scanned page

  90. Authorizing the school directors of North Woodbury township, Blair county, to le?^y a tax to pay indebtedness incurred by paying bountie« to volunteers.

    Act 285 of 1865 · P.L. 284 · March 8, 1865 · Scanned page

  91. To authorize the school directors of Shrewsbury township, York county, to levy and collect the whole amount of bounty tax, in one year. Whekbas, The township of Shrewsbury, county of York, and state of Pennsylvania, did at certain public meetings, held in said township, for the purpose ©f raisiug bounties and procuring volunteers, to fill the quota of said township, (under the call of

    Act 286 of 1865 · P.L. 285 · March 8, 1865 · Scanned page

  92. To authorize the treasurer of the local bounty fund of North Huntingdon township, Westmoreland county, to collect, by law, the amount voluntarily subscribed to said fuud, by persons in said township, for the purpose of securing volunteers to fill the quota of said township, under the present call for three hundred thousand men.

    Act 287 of 1865 · P.L. 286 · March 8, 1865 · Scanned page

  93. Relative to bounties, in Turbut, Lower Augusta and Lower Mahonoy townships, Northumberland county.

    Act 288 of 1865 · P.L. 286 · March 8, 1865 · Scanned page

  94. To regulate the pay of assessors, in the county of Berks. Section" 1.

    Act of 1865 · P.L. 290 · March 9, 1865 · Scanned page

  95. Relative to tlie collection of taxes, in Marion township, Berks county.

    Act 293 of 1865 · P.L. 291 · March 9, 1865 · Scanned page

  96. To enable the Philadelphia and Erie Railroad Company to issue additional bonds, with power to convert the same into a preferred stock.

    Act 294 of 1865 · P.L. 291 · March 9, 1865 · Scanned page

  97. Eelating to tlie compensation of supervisors, in tlie county of York.

    Act 296 of 1865 · P.L. 293 · March 9, 1865 · Scanned page

  98. For the relief of the estate of Edward Bickel.

    Act 297 of 1865 · P.L. 294 · March 9, 1865 · Scanned page

  99. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Keystone Gold and Silver Mining Company, approved the eighteenth day of July, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixtythree, authorizing said company to change its name, and to exercise corporate powers, in California.

    Act 299 of 1865 · P.L. 296 · March 9, 1865 · Scanned page

  100. To consolidate the Wilkesbarre Coal and Iron Company, and the Conrolidated Coal Company.

    Act 301 of 1865 · P.L. 297 · March 9, 1865 · 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.