Friday, November 6, 2026Sign in or join
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

5,365 laws of the 1870s

Constitution of 1838

  1. Supplement to an act relating to orphans' court, approved the twenty-ninth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two, regulating the sale of real estate by executors, administrators or trustees.

    Act 256 of 1871 · P.L. 274 · May 23, 1871 · Scanned page

  2. For the protection of salmon, black bass and other food fishes newly introduced, or to be introduced into the rivers Delaware and Susquehanna and their tributaries; for the protection also of closes against unlawful fishing, and to prevent the introduction of predatory fishes into trout streams, and for other germane purposes.

    Act 257 of 1871 · P.L. 275 · May 24, 1871 · Scanned page

  3. To provide for the purchase of a fire-proof safe for the use of the prothonotary of the supreme court for the Middle district.

    Act 258 of 1871 · P.L. 279 · May 24, 1871 · Scanned page

  4. Supplement to an act, entitled "A farther supplement to an act relating to orphans' courts," passed the twenty-ninth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two, and the supplement, passed fourteenth of April, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-five, and the further supplement, passed fourteenth of April, one thousand eight hundred and forty.

    Act 259 of 1871 · P.L. 279 · May 26, 1871 · Scanned page

  5. To repeal the act of April twenty-ninth, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and forty-four, so far as it imposes a tax of two per centum on every dollar of salary and emolument of persons holding public office or offices held under corporations, trades, occupations and professions.

    Act of 1871 · P.L. 281 · June 2, 1871 · Scanned page

  6. To authorize a popular vote upon the question of calling a convention to amend the constitution of

    Act 262 of 1871 · P.L. 282 · June 2, 1871 · Scanned page

  7. To authorize married women owning capital stock of any railroad company to sell and transfer the same.

    Act 263 of 1871 · P.L. 283 · June 2, 1871 · Scanned page

  8. For the further regulation of boroughs.

    Act 264 of 1871 · P.L. 283 · June 2, 1871 · Scanned page

  9. Supplement to an act,entitled "An Act for the organization, discipline and regulation of the militia of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania," approved May fourth, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four, and to the various supplements thereto.

    Act 265 of 1871 · P.L. 285 · June 2, 1871 · Scanned page

  10. Repealing an act, entitled "An Act repealing an act regulating the inspection of fish, and to prevent fraud in vending the same.

    Act 267 of 1871 · P.L. 288 · June 2, 1871 · Scanned page

  11. To repeal an act, entitled '»A supplement to the act providing for the taking of game, approved the first day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine," said supplement being approved on the fifth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and seventy, and also construing the second section of the act approved the ninth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand

    Act 268 of 1871 · P.L. 288 · June 2, 1871 · Scanned page

  12. Relating to clandestine marriages.

    Act 269 of 1871 · P.L. 289 · June 2, 1871 · Scanned page

  13. Amendatory to an act, entitled "An Act for the punishment of cruelty to animals in this coinmonwealih," approved March twenty-ninth, one thousand eight hundred and

    Act 271 of 1871 · P.L. 290 · June 2, 1871 · Scanned page

  14. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to provide for the incorporation of gas and water companies," approved the eleventh day of March, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven, and extending the same to bridge companies, and also for increasing the capital stock of said companies.

    Act of 1871 · P.L. 291 · March 17, 1871 · Scanned page

  15. To repeal the first section of an act, entitled "A supplement to the ace providing for the taking of game, approved the first day of Apri], Anno Domini one thousand eight hundre-d and sixty-nine," said supplement being approved on the fifth day" of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and

    Act 274 of 1871 · P.L. 292 · March 25, 1871 · Scanned page

  16. In relation to the allotment of prisoners to the Eastern and Western penitentiaries.

    Act 275 of 1871 · P.L. 293 · 1871 · Scanned page

  17. Authorizing the governor to issue commissions to certain otficers of Pennsylvania volunteers.

    Act 276 of 1871 · P.L. 294 · May 25, 1871 · Scanned page

  18. To amend an act authorizing the authorities of Apollo borough, Armstrong county, to issue bonds, levy aud collect a tax to pay the same, for the purpose of erecting a bridge over the Kiskiminetas river, at said borough.

    Act 277 of 1871 · P.L. 294 · March 9, 1871 · Scanned page

  19. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Delaware River Telegraph Company, approved March twenty-third, Anno Domini one thousand eigiit hundred and sixtj'-flve.

    Act 279 of 1871 · P.L. 296 · March 9, 1871 · Scanned page

  20. Supplementary to an act to incorporate the city of Chester, in the county of Delaware, approved the fourteenth day of February, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-six.

    Act 280 of 1871 · P.L. 297 · March 10, 1871 · Scanned page

  21. To change the venue in a certain action of ejectment from Clarion county to Venango county.

    Act 281 of 1871 · P.L. 298 · March 10, 1871 · Scanned page

  22. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Philadelphia Trust, Safe Deposit and Insurance Company of the city of Philadelphia, approved the fifteenth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixtynine, increasing the number of directors.

    Act 282 of 1871 · P.L. 299 · March 10, 1871 · Scanned page

  23. To incorporate the trustees of the Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian church of North America.

    Act 283 of 1871 · P.L. 299 · March 10, 1871 · Scanned page

  24. Supplement To the act, entitled "An Act authorizing the school directors of the borough of Waynesboro', Franklin countj-, to borrow money for school purposes," approved the second day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine, except for state purposes.

    Act 284 of 1871 · P.L. 304 · March 10, 1871 · Scanned page

  25. Erecting parts of Reserve and M'Clure townships into a city district adjoining the city of Allegheny.

    Act 285 of 1871 · P.L. 304 · March 10, 1871 · Scanned page

  26. Supplementry to an act to incorporate the city of Cliester, in the county of Delaware, approved the fourteenth day of February, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-six.

    Act 286 of 1871 · P.L. 308 · March 10, 1871 · Scanned page

  27. Extending the provisions of the act, entitled "An Act regulating the election of burgess and town council of the boroughs of Indiana and Brookville, fixing their terms of office and increasing their powers," approved March twelfth, one thousand eight hundred and sixtynine, to the borough of West Indiana, in Indiana county; and also to increase the limit of taxation under said borough for borough purposes.

    Act 287 of 1871 · P.L. 308 · March 10, 1871 · Scanned page

  28. Relating to the taxes assessed upon dogs in the city of Lock Haven, appropriating said taxes to the Lock Haven Library Company.

    Act 288 of 1871 · P.L. 309 · March 10, 1871 · Scanned page

  29. To prevent fishing with seines in the Pennsylvania canal basin, adjoining Price and Company's furnace, in the city of Harrisburg, Dauphin county.

    Act 289 of 1871 · P.L. 310 · March 10, 1871 · Scanned page

  30. Authorizing the burgesses and town council of the borough of Huntingdon to borrow money, and provide a supply of water for the use of the inhabitants of said borough.

    Act 290 of 1871 · P.L. 310 · 1871 · Scanned page

  31. Supplement to an act, entitled "An' Act consolidating the wards of the city of Pittsburg for educational purposes," approved the twelfth day of February, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and

    Act of 1871 · P.L. 314 · March 10, 1871 · Scanned page

  32. Supplementary to an act incorporating the Huntingdon academy, approved March nineteenth, one thousand eight hundred and

    Act 293 of 1871 · P.L. 315 · March 10, 1871 · Scanned page

  33. Vacating certain portions of Leet's lane and Mason's lane, in the plan of out-lots adjoining the borough of Beaver, Beaver county, as laid out by commissioners appointed for said purpose, and marked on the plan of out-lots aforesaid.

    Act 294 of 1871 · P.L. 316 · March 10, 1871 · Scanned page

  34. To authorize the board of school directors of Liberty district, in the city of Pittsburg, to borrow money, sell real estate belonging to said district, not necessary to hold, and levy a special tax for building purposes.

    Act 295 of 1871 · P.L. 316 · 1871 · Scanned page

  35. Supplementary to an act to provide for the collection of arrears of bounty due to volunteers from the township of Mehoopany, Wyoming county, approved April second, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine.

    Act 296 of 1871 · P.L. 317 · March 10, 1871 · Scanned page

  36. Supplement to an act, entitled •■An Act relating; to the draining of wet or spouty lands in certain counties," approved April four, one thousand eight hundred and sixt^Mhree, extending the provisions of the same to the dmining and ventilating of coal and other mines in Indiana countj'.

    Act 297 of 1871 · P.L. 318 · March 10, 1871 · Scanned page

  37. To authorize the borough of Coatesville, in the county of Chester, to borrow money.

    Act 298 of 1871 · P.L. 319 · March 11, 1871 · Scanned page

  38. Supplement to an act passed the sixteenth dajof March, Anno Domini eighteen hundred and forty-eight, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Pittsburg Gas Company.

    Act 299 of 1871 · P.L. 320 · March 11, 1871 · Scanned page

  39. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Odd Fellows' Hall Association of the borough of Mifflintown, Juniata county.

    Act 300 of 1871 · P.L. 321 · March 11, 1871 · Scanned page

  40. Supplement To an act approved April sixth, one thousand eight hundred and fiftynine, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Hestonville, Mantua and Fairmount Passenger Railroad Company.

    Act 301 of 1871 · P.L. 322 · March 11, 1871 · Scanned page

  41. Supplement to an act approved the first day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and seventy, entitled "An Act authorizing the school directors of Chapman township, Clinton county, to levy and collect a bounty tax." Pj'eamblo,

    Act 302 of 1871 · P.L. 323 · March 11, 1871 · Scanned page

  42. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Mount Moriala Cemetery Association of Philadelphia, approved the twenty-seventh day of March, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, authorizing the purchase of additional land.

    Act 303 of 1871 · P.L. 324 · March 11, 1871 · Scanned page

  43. Supplement to an act approved March second, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-six, to extend the time for completing the Bulialo, Bradford and Pittsburg railroad

    Act 304 of 1871 · P.L. 325 · March 11, 1871 · Scanned page

  44. Supplement to an act incorporating the Lehigh Valley Fire Insurance Company, approved March thirtieth, one thousand eight hundred and sixtysix, allowing a withdrawal of the capital stock paid in, and providing that the same be a mutual company only.

    Act 305 of 1871 · P.L. 325 · March 11, 1871 · Scanned page

  45. To repeal an act approved the third day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine, entitled "An Act to repeal the sixth section of an act for the protection of wild turkeys and squirrels, and for other purposes, in the county of Huntingdon,'' approved the eighth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and sixty -seven, and to repeal and change certain parts of said

    Act 307 of 1871 · P.L. 327 · March 11, 1871 · Scanned page

  46. Supplement to an act authorizing the governor to incorporate the Bear Mountain Railroad Company, and for other purposes, passed thirteenth July, ene thousand eight hundred and forty-two, extending the time for completing the road, and empowering the company to increase its capital stock and to borrow money.

    Act 308 of 1871 · P.L. 328 · March 11, 1871 · Scanned page

  47. act To repeal an act relating to public roads in Snyder and Juniata counties, and to extend the provisions of the first, second, third and fourth sections of an act passed the twenty-fourth day of February, one thousand eight hundred and forty-five, entitled "An Act relative to public roads in certain counties therein named," to Juniata county.

    Act 309 of 1871 · P.L. 329 · March 11, 1871 · Scanned page

  48. To authorize and empower the orphans' court of Berks county to appoint a trustee to sell certain real estate in said county.

    Act 310 of 1871 · P.L. 329 · March 11, 1871 · Scanned page

  49. Supplement to an act to authorize Heary B. Masser and John H. Fisher to establish and maintain a ferry over the Susquehanna river, at Selinsgrove, approved March twentieth, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three.

    Act 311 of 1871 · P.L. 331 · March 8, 1871 · Scanned page

  50. Recognizing the Tyson Mining Company as a body corporate.

    Act 312 of 1871 · P.L. 331 · March 11, 1871 · Scanned page

  51. Supplement to the act, entitled "An Act establishing a health office and to secure the city and port of Philadelphia from the introduction of pestilential and contagious diseases, and for other purposes," approved twenty-ninth January, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.

    Act 313 of 1871 · P.L. 332 · March 14, 1871 · Scanned page

  52. Supplementary to an act providing for the annexation of the borough of North Lebanon to the borough of Lebanon, approved the fourth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixtyeight.

    Act 314 of 1871 · P.L. 333 · March 14, 1871 · Scanned page

  53. Authorizing savings institutions aad trust coiiipaaies to purchase the bonds of the American Steamship Company of Philadelphia.

    Act 315 of 1871 · P.L. 339 · March 14, 1871 · Scanned page

  54. To authorize the orphans" court of Berks county to appoint a trustee to sell certain real estate in the city of Heading, late the property of Charlotte Heckman, deceased.

    Act 316 of 1871 · P.L. 339 · March 14, 1871 · Scanned page

  55. To incorporate the Passenger Conductors' Life Insurance Company of the United States.

    Act 317 of 1871 · P.L. 341 · March 14, 1871 · Scanned page

  56. To incorporate and establish the Monongahela College at Jefferson, in Greene county.

    Act 318 of 1871 · P.L. 342 · March 14, 1871 · Scanned page

  57. Authorizing the Morris Kun Coal Csmpany to increase the number of its directors and to borrow money.

    Act 319 of 1871 · P.L. 347 · March 14, 1871 · Scanned page

  58. Extending to tlie counties of Beaver, Franklin and Adams the pro= visions of an act relating to appeals and transcript from judgments of justices of the peace in the county of Juniata, approved April fourth, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and

    Act 320 of 1871 · P.L. 347 · March 14, 1871 · Scanned page

  59. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the subscribers to the Insurance Company of North America.

    Act 321 of 1871 · P.L. 348 · March 14, 1871 · Scanned page

  60. To extend the provisions of an act, entitled "An Act to regulate medical practice in the counties of York, Indiana, Perry, Juniata, Adams, Bucks, Northampton, Lehigh and Elk," to the counties of Cameron, Clearlield, Montour and Fulton.

    Act 322 of 1871 · P.L. 349 · March 14, 1871 · Scanned page

  61. Supplement to an act incorporating the Buffaio Valley Railroad Company.

    Act of 1871 · P.L. 350 · March 14, 1871 · Scanned page

  62. To incorporato the Merchants' Bank of Easton.

    Act of 1871 · P.L. 350 · March 14, 1871 · Scanned page

  63. To incorporate the Central Market Company.

    Act 325 of 1871 · P.L. 352 · March 15, 1871 · Scanned page

  64. To enable the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company to consolidate their loans, borrow money and secure the same by mortgage.

    Act of 1871 · P.L. 354 · March 15, 1871 · Scanned page

  65. To provide for the payment of the debts of Pine township, ia Lycoming county.

    Act of 1871 · P.L. 355 · March 15, 1871 · Scanned page

  66. For the organization of a police force for the borough of Hazleton.

    Act of 1871 · P.L. 356 · March 15, 1871 · Scanned page

  67. Providing for the election of a solicitor of Schuylkill county.

    Act 329 of 1871 · P.L. 357 · March 15, 1871 · Scanned page

  68. To vacate Steinhaur street, in the Twenty-fifth ward of the city of Philadelphia.

    Act 330 of 1871 · P.L. 358 · March 15, 1871 · Scanned page

  69. To authorize the burgess and council of Tioga borough to establish fire limits.

    Act 331 of 1871 · P.L. 358 · 1871 · Scanned page

  70. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Stony Creek Railroad Company, approved the fourteenth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight.

    Act 332 of 1871 · P.L. 359 · March 15, 1871 · Scanned page

  71. To confirm plans number two hundred fifty-one, as prepared by direction of councils and approved by the board of surveyors of the city of Philadelphia.

    Act 333 of 1871 · P.L. 360 · 1871 · Scanned page

  72. To place Stiles street, from Broad street to Ontario street, in the city of Philadelphia, on the public plans, and to open, grade, curb and pave the same.

    Act 334 of 1871 · P.L. 360 · March 15, 1871 · Scanned page

  73. To repeal an act, entitled "An Act in relation to the plans of surveys of certain streets in the Twenty-fourth ward of the city of Philadelphia," approved July eighteenth, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three.

    Act 335 of 1871 · P.L. 361 · March 15, 1871 · Scanned page

  74. To vacate a portion of Little lane, (said lane being situate between Marriott street and Carpenter street,) in the Second ward of the city of Philadelphia.

    Act 336 of 1871 · P.L. 362 · March 15, 1871 · Scanned page

  75. Supplementary to an act, entitled "A supplement to an act approved April thirteentb. Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine, entitled 'An Act to authorize the burgess and council of the borough of Warren to convey certain real estate,' approved April fourteenth, one thousand eight hundred and seventy.

    Act 337 of 1871 · P.L. 362 · March 15, 1871 · Scanned page

  76. Supplement to an act appropriating ground for public purposes in the city of Philadelphia, approved the twenty-sixth day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven.

    Act 338 of 1871 · P.L. 363 · March 15, 1871 · Scanned page

  77. To incorporate the Bank of Brandywine.

    Act 339 of 1871 · P.L. 364 · March 15, 1871 · Scanned page

  78. To incorporate the Farmers' Bank of Carlisle.

    Act 340 of 1871 · P.L. 366 · March 15, 1871 · Scanned page

  79. To appoint time for meeting of viewers. Notice of meet- To provide for the extension of the water works of the citj' of Pittsburg.

    Act 341 of 1871 · P.L. 368 · March 15, 1871 · Scanned page

  80. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Germantowu Cottage Companj-,"' approved the iirst day of May, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-six, giving authority to aid contractors and others, to construct public and private improvements, to hold property by purchase or otherwise, and to dispose of the same, and to increase their capital stock.

    Act 342 of 1871 · P.L. 370 · March 15, 1871 · Scanned page

  81. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Penllyn and Blue Bell Turnpike Road Company," approved the sixth day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight, to authorize said company to borrow money.

    Act 343 of 1871 · P.L. 371 · March 15, 1871 · Scanned page

  82. To incorporate the Revolving Mould Board Plow Company.

    Act 344 of 1871 · P.L. 372 · March 15, 1871 · Scanned page

  83. To incorporate the Lebanon Dime Savings Bank.

    Act 345 of 1871 · P.L. 374 · March 15, 1871 · Scanned page

  84. For the relief of Thomas M'Creery, of Beaver county.

    Act 346 of 1871 · P.L. 378 · 1871 · Scanned page

  85. To incorporate the Lee Park Association.

    Act 347 of 1871 · P.L. 378 · March 15, 1871 · Scanned page

  86. Relative to livery stable keepers and others in certain counties.

    Act 348 of 1871 · P.L. 380 · March 15, 1871 · Scanned page

  87. To change the name of Thomas Atherton Henry to that of Thomas Henry Atherton, and to make the said Thomas the heir-at-law of Lj'dia Atherton.

    Act 350 of 1871 · P.L. 382 · March 15, 1871 · Scanned page

  88. Supplement to an act to incorporate the ShuUzville, Mill City and Tunkhannock Turnpike Road Company.

    Act 351 of 1871 · P.L. 382 · March 15, 1871 · Scanned page

  89. To incorporate the People's Market Company.

    Act 352 of 1871 · P.L. 383 · March 15, 1871 · Scanned page

  90. To authorize the election of an additional justice of the peace for the borough of Pittston, county of Luzerne.

    Act 353 of 1871 · P.L. 385 · June 10, 1871 · Scanned page

  91. Supplement To an act relating to orphans' courts, approved March twenty-ninth, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two.

    Act 355 of 1871 · P.L. 386 · June 10, 1871 · Scanned page

  92. Providing fox the entry of certain proceedings on the judgment indexes of the several courts of this commonwealth.

    Act 356 of 1871 · P.L. 387 · June 15, 1871 · Scanned page

  93. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act for draining swampy and wet lands," approved April fifth, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and

    Act 357 of 1871 · P.L. 388 · June 15, 1871 · Scanned page

  94. To promote industrial partnerships.

    Act 358 of 1871 · P.L. 389 · June 15, 1871 · Scanned page

  95. Supplement to an act approved April ninth, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven, entitled "A further supplement to an act for tiie regulation and continuance of a system of education by common schools.

    Act 359 of 1871 · P.L. 390 · June 15, 1871 · Scanned page

  96. Supplement to the act of March twenty-ninth, one thousand eight hundred and three, entitled "An Act to establish a board of wardens for the port of Philadelphia, and for the regulation of pilots and pilotage, and for other purposes therein

    Act 360 of 1871 · P.L. 390 · June 15, 1871 · Scanned page

  97. Relating to the assessment of damage for the appropriation of land for public use.

    Act 361 of 1871 · P.L. 391 · June 15, 1871 · Scanned page

  98. To authorize two supervisors of roads in Conyngham township, Columbia county.

    Act 362 of 1871 · P.L. 392 · March 15, 1871 · Scanned page

  99. To incorporate the "Western Pennsylvania Classical and Scientitic Institute, at Mount Pleasant, in Westmoreland county.

    Act 363 of 1871 · P.L. 392 · March 15, 1871 · Scanned page

  100. To incorporate the Ebensburg and Susquehanna Turnpike Road Conipanj'.

    Act of 1871 · P.L. 396 · March 15, 1871 · 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.