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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

5,365 laws of the 1870s

Constitution of 1838

  1. To declare Baih^'s run, in Potter county, a public highway.

    Act 478 of 1871 · P.L. 552 · May 4, 1871 · Scanned page

  2. For the grading and paviug of the main streets of Pdchland, in the county of Lebanon.

    Act 479 of 1871 · P.L. 553 · May 4, 1871 · Scanned page

  3. To legalize the payment of bounties in the township of.SmitLfield, in the county of Monroe.

    Act 480 of 1871 · P.L. 555 · May 4, 1871 · Scanned page

  4. To establish a ferry over the Ohio river, at Freedom, Beaver ooauty.

    Act 481 of 1871 · P.L. 556 · May 4, 1871 · Scanned page

  5. Relating to the election o^ assessors in Clearfield county.

    Act 482 of 1871 · P.L. 557 · 1871 · Scanned page

  6. To authorize turnpike and plank road companies to surrender their corporate franchises.

    Act 483 of 1871 · P.L. 558 · 1871 · Scanned page

  7. To incorporate the Centre Square and Delaware Bridge Passenger Railway Company.

    Act 484 of 1871 · P.L. 559 · May 5, 1871 · Scanned page

  8. ihe burj^esK and town council of Tidioute borough, in \Varren county, lo borrow money and laj' taxes.

    Act 485 of 1871 · P.L. 560 · May 5, 1871 · Scanned page

  9. Repealing an act relative to roads ia Valley township, Chester county, Pennsylvania, approved the fourteenth day of February, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven.

    Act 486 of 1871 · P.L. 561 · May 5, 1871 · Scanned page

  10. To authorize the burgess ami town council of the borouu;h of Ebensburg-, in the COUUT3' of Cambria, to assess, levy and collect a special lax for the years Anno Domini one thousand eight liundred and sevent.y-one and one thousand eight hundred and seventy-two.

    Act 487 of 1871 · P.L. 562 · 1871 · Scanned page

  11. Supplementary to an act incorporating the city of New Castle, in the county of Lawrence, approved the twenty-fifth day of February, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine.

    Act 488 of 1871 · P.L. 562 · May 5, 1871 · Scanned page

  12. In relation to roads in Elizabeth township, Allegheny county.

    Act 489 of 1871 · P.L. 563 · April 5, 1871 · Scanned page

  13. Amending an act providing for the introduction of water into the borough of Lebanon, approved the fifteenth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine.

    Act 490 of 1871 · P.L. 565 · 1871 · Scanned page

  14. To incorporate the International Navigation Company.

    Act 491 of 1871 · P.L. 565 · 1871 · Scanned page

  15. To authorize the mayor and council of the city of Corry, in the county of Erie, to borrow money.

    Act 492 of 1871 · P.L. 566 · May 5, 1871 · Scanned page

  16. In relation to the collection of state and county taxes in the township of Alsace, in the county of Berks.

    Act 493 of 1871 · P.L. 567 · May 5, 1871 · Scanned page

  17. Relating to Conenaaugh borough, Cambria county, legalizing the survey thereof, changing the number and mode of electing councilinen therein, authorizing the council to borrow money for paving streets, empowering the burgess to commit to the lock-up house in Johnstown borough, and authorizing additional taxation.

    Act 494 of 1871 · P.L. 568 · 1871 · Scanned page

  18. To regulate the taking of game in the counties of Erie, Crawford, Warren, Elk, Mercer, Cameron and Forest.

    Act 495 of 1871 · P.L. 570 · May 5, 1871 · Scanned page

  19. To incorporate the Coke Gas Company of Pittsburg.

    Act 496 of 1871 · P.L. 571 · May 5, 1871 · Scanned page

  20. Supplementary to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Trustees of the Fire Association of Philadelphia,"' passed April third, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three.

    Act 497 of 1871 · P.L. 572 · May 5, 1871 · Scanned page

  21. Relative to the stay of execution in the county of Allegheny.

    Act 498 of 1871 · P.L. 577 · May 5, 1871 · Scanned page

  22. Authorizing an election for members of the town council of tlie borough of Cambria, in the county of Cambria.

    Act 499 of 1871 · P.L. 578 · 1871 · Scanned page

  23. Supplement To an act, entitled "An Act to regulate medical practice in certain counties in this commonwealth.

    Act 500 of 1871 · P.L. 578 · May 5, 1871 · Scanned page

  24. To authorize the transfer of the rights, property and franchises of the Pittsburg Farmers' and Mechanics' Turnpike Company, to the city of Pittsburg, and the issue of bonds of said city in payment thereof.

    Act 501 of 1871 · P.L. 579 · May 5, 1871 · Scanned page

  25. To repeal an act, entitled '-An Act relative to the publication of local laws in the counties of Centre and Schuylkill," so far as the same relates to the county of Centre.

    Act 502 of 1871 · P.L. 580 · May 5, 1871 · Scanned page

  26. To repeal the second, third and fourth sections of an act, approved March second, one thousand eight hundred and seventy, entitled "A supplement to the act to incorporate the borough of Titusville, Crawford county, into a city.

    Act 503 of 1871 · P.L. 581 · May 5, 1871 · Scanned page

  27. To provide for the opening of Park avenue, late Diamond street, from Twenty-second to Thirty-third street, in the city of Philadelphia.

    Act 504 of 1871 · P.L. 582 · May 5, 1871 · Scanned page

  28. Authorizing the supervisor of New Castle township, Schuylkill county, to make, repair and keep in good order and condition the public roads, bridges and culverts in said township.

    Act 505 of 1871 · P.L. 583 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  29. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Philadelphia Telegraph Company," approved the tenth day of February, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and seventy, authorizing the issue of preferred stock.

    Act 506 of 1871 · P.L. 584 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  30. For the establishing of a law library in Bucks county.

    Act 507 of 1871 · P.L. 584 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  31. Supplement to an act appointing commissioners to lay out and open a state road from Ridgway, via Johnsonburg and Wilcox, in Elk countj^ to the borough of Kane, M'Kean county, approved the sixth day of April, eighteen hundred and sixty-seven.

    Act 508 of 1871 · P.L. 585 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  32. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate a company to erect a bridge over the river Schuylkill, at or near the Swede's Ford, in the county of Monti^omery," approved March thirtieth, one thousand eight hundred and forty-eight, authorizing said company to capitalize their floating debt, and also to lease their bridge and appurtenances to the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company.

    Act 509 of 1871 · P.L. 586 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  33. To authorize the school directors of tlie borough of Butler to sell certain lands in said borough.

    Act 510 of 1871 · P.L. 587 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  34. To incorporate the Mercantile Printing Company.

    Act of 1871 · P.L. 588 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  35. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate tlie First Reformed congre-. gation of the borough of York and its vicinity."'

    Act of 1871 · P.L. 589 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  36. Placing so much of the Warren and Ridgway turnpike, as lies in Forest county, under the control of special road commissioners.

    Act 513 of 1871 · P.L. 590 · 1871 · Scanned page

  37. To authorize the road commissioners of Venango township, in the county of Erie, to erect a town hall, and to levy and collect taxes therefor.

    Act 514 of 1871 · P.L. 591 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  38. To repeal an act relating to roads in East Fallowfield township, Chester county.

    Act 515 of 1871 · P.L. 592 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  39. To extend to the county of Forest the provisions of au act, entitled "An Act to increase the pay of road and bridge viewers and surveyors in the county of Susquehanna.

    Act 516 of 1871 · P.L. 592 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  40. Authorizing the commissioners for the removal of bodies from the old Methodist burying ground in the city of Pittsburg to borrow money.

    Act 517 of 1871 · P.L. 593 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  41. Relative to the payment of costs in the court of quarter sessions of Lancaster county.

    Act of 1871 · P.L. 595 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  42. Supplement To an act to erect the town of Montrose, in the county of Susquehanna, into a borough, approved March twenty-nintli, one thousand eight hundred and twenty-four.

    Act of 1871 · P.L. 595 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  43. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act appointing commissioners to lay out and open a state road in the counties of M'Kean, Elk, Forest and Clarion," approved the first day of May, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one.

    Act 521 of 1871 · P.L. 596 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  44. To authorize the road commissioners and school directors of Farmington township, Warren county, to unite in erecting a school house.

    Act of 1871 · P.L. 597 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  45. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to prevent cattle, horsas, sheep and hogs from running at large in Faruiington and Columbus townships, Warren county," approved March fourteenth, one thousand eight hundred and seventy, extending the same to Conewango township, in said county.

    Act 524 of 1871 · P.L. 598 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  46. Granting Acenith M'Guinn, of Fayette county, widow of William M'Guinn, a soldier of the war of Anno Domini one thousand eigbt hundred and twelve, a gratuity and annuity.

    Act 525 of 1871 · P.L. 599 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  47. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to prevent cattle, horses, mules, sheep goats and swine from running at largo in the townships of Sugar Grove and Freehold, in the county of Warren, and Plum township, Venango county," approved March twenty-seventh. Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine, extending the same to Brokenstraw township, in Warren county, and Hanover township, Lehigh countj'.

    Act 526 of 1871 · P.L. 600 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  48. To authorize the re-assessment of property in Irwin borough, Westmoreland county.

    Act 527 of 1871 · P.L. 600 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  49. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Warren and Jefferson Railroad and Coal Company, approved the fifth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and seventy, changing the amount of the capital stock, and extending the time for payment of the enrolment tax upon the same.

    Act 528 of 1871 · P.L. 601 · March 3, 1871 · Scanned page

  50. To authorize the burgess and council of Union Mills, Erie couuiy, to borrow money.

    Act 529 of 1871 · P.L. 602 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  51. Modifying the first section of an act, approved the second day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine, relating to cattle running at large in certain townships in Dauphin county.

    Act 530 of 1871 · P.L. 603 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  52. Appointing commissioners to lay out and construct a road from Babb"s creek to the coal mines at Antrim, in Tioga county.

    Act 531 of 1871 · P.L. 604 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  53. To prevent the hunting of deer with hounds or dogs in Clinton, Washington and Brady townships, in the county of Lycoming.

    Act 532 of 1871 · P.L. 606 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  54. To repeal an act, entitled "An Act relative to roads in Uwchlan township, Chester county, and East Bethlehem and East Pike Run township, Washington count}^," so far as relates to Uwchlan township, Chester county.

    Act 534 of 1871 · P.L. 608 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  55. To authorize the burgess and council of the borough of Muncy, Lycoming county, to erect «r construct a lock-up house.

    Act 535 of 1871 · P.L. 608 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  56. To extend the provisions of an 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," to,the borough of Lawrenceburg, in the county of Armstrong.

    Act 537 of 1871 · P.L. 610 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  57. To extend the provisions of an act relating to the better prosecution of disorderly persons in the boroughs of Sharpsburg and Etna, to the boroughs of Temperanceville and West Pittsburg, Allentown, Birmingham, South Pittsburg and Sewickley and Union, in the county of Allegheny.

    Act 538 of 1871 · P.L. 611 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  58. Authorizing the Frankhn County Fruit Growers Association to borrow money.

    Act 539 of 1871 · P.L. 611 · 1871 · Scanned page

  59. Supplement Vacancies. To an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate Maplewood Institute, at Concordville, in the county of Delaware," approved the sixth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and seveutj'.

    Act 540 of 1871 · P.L. 612 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  60. Authorizing the Green Hill Building and Loan Association of Jf niiudelphia to issue shares of stock of the said corporation to the number of five thousand, of the nominal value of two hundred dollars each.

    Act 541 of 1871 · P.L. 613 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  61. Supplement To the act, entitled "An Act authorizing a state road to be laid out from the borough of Media, in the county of Delaware, to Lancaster avenue, in the city of Philadelphia. Section

    Act 542 of 1871 · P.L. 614 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  62. Securing to owners of seated lands sold for taxes in Forest county, the right to redeem the same.

    Act 543 of 1871 · P.L. 615 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  63. To incorporate the Masonic Home of Pennsylvania.

    Act 544 of 1871 · P.L. 615 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  64. To authorize the school directors of the Independent school district oi Sheakleyville, Mercer county, to borrow money for building purposes.

    Act 545 of 1871 · P.L. 617 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  65. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Home for Friendless Children for the city and county of Lancaster," approved March the twenty-ninth. Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty.

    Act 546 of 1871 · P.L. 617 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  66. To prevent the destruction of fish in the East Branch of the Octoraro creek and its tributaries, in the counties of Lancaster and Chester, and in Big Elk and White Clay creek, in Chester county.

    Act 547 of 1871 · P.L. 618 · May 6, 1871 · Scanned page

  67. To authorize the erecting of a rope or wire ferry across the Juniata i river, at or near the mouth of Doe run, in Walker township, Juniata ' county.

    Act 548 of 1871 · P.L. 619 · May 8, 1871 · Scanned page

  68. To authorize the commissioners of Lehigli county to borrow money, and to le}?alize loans made and bonds herotofore issued.

    Act 549 of 1871 · P.L. 620 · May 8, 1871 · Scanned page

  69. To authorize Michael Domenec, bishop of Pittsburg, to sell certain real estate, situate in New Brighton borough, Beaver county.

    Act 550 of 1871 · P.L. 621 · May 8, 1871 · Scanned page

  70. To give the consent of this common v/ealth to the act of the general assembly of the state of New Jersey, incorporating the Burlington and Bristol Steamboat Ferry Company.

    Act 651 of 1871 · P.L. 621 · May 8, 1871 · Scanned page

  71. To widen and pave the side-walk of College street, in ^Sfyerstown, Lebanon county, Pennsylvania.

    Act 552 of 1871 · P.L. 622 · May 8, 1871 · Scanned page

  72. To authorize George A. Cramer, a justice of the peace of the city of Williamsport, to keep his oflSce in the Second ward of said city.

    Act 553 of 1871 · P.L. 623 · 1871 · Scanned page

  73. To incorporate the Wellsboro' and State Line Raih-oad Company.

    Act 554 of 1871 · P.L. 624 · May 8, 1871 · Scanned page

  74. To further enlarge the powers of the Centenary Fund Society of the Erie Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

    Act 555 of 1871 · P.L. 626 · May 8, 1871 · Scanned page

  75. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Butchers' and Drovers' Bank, to be located in Philadelphia," approved the twenty-seventh day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and

    Act 556 of 1871 · P.L. 626 · May 8, 1871 · Scanned page

  76. To vacate a certain alley in the borough of Greenville, Mercer county.

    Act 557 of 1871 · P.L. 627 · May 8, 1871 · Scanned page

  77. Providing for the appointm 3nt of an inspector of steam boilers in the counties of Schuylkill, Northumberland and Columbia by the gov- • ernor of the commonwealth.

    Act 558 of 1871 · P.L. 627 · May 9, 1871 · Scanned page

  78. To authorize the Pittsburg, Virginia and Charleston Railway Company to acquire property for the construction of its railroad and appur-^ tenances.

    Act 559 of 1871 · P.L. 628 · May 9, 1871 · Scanned page

  79. To provide for the payment of Benjamin Singerly for the publication of Bates' History.

    Act 560 of 1871 · P.L. 629 · May 9, 1871 · Scanned page

  80. Supplement To an act to incorporate the city of Erie.

    Act of 1871 · P.L. 630 · 1871 · Scanned page

  81. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Erie and Western Transportation Company," approved June twenty-first, one thousand eight hundred sixty-five.

    Act of 1871 · P.L. 632 · 1871 · Scanned page

  82. To incorporate the Inland Navigation Company.

    Act 563 of 1871 · P.L. 633 · May 9, 1871 · Scanned page

  83. To incorporate the Lake Navigation Company.

    Act 564 of 1871 · P.L. 634 · May 9, 1871 · Scanned page

  84. To authorize the Altoona Gas and Water Company to sell their reservoirs, water pipes and appurtenances, to reduce their capital stock, and to change the name of said company.

    Act 565 of 1871 · P.L. 635 · May 9, 1871 · Scanned page

  85. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Black Diamond Coal and Iron Company, approved June fifteenth, one thousand eight hundred and sixtyfour.

    Act 566 of 1871 · P.L. 635 · May 9, 1871 · Scanned page

  86. To incorporate the Mahanoy Valley Gas and Water Company.

    Act of 1871 · P.L. 636 · May 9, 1871 · Scanned page

  87. To incorporate the Washington Improvement Company.

    Act 569 of 1871 · P.L. 640 · 1871 · Scanned page

  88. To incorporate the Woman's Christian Association of Philadelphia.

    Act 570 of 1871 · P.L. 640 · May 9, 1871 · Scanned page

  89. To authorize William Cameron and Simon Cameron to erect a pier in the West Branch of the Susquehanna river, below the town of Milton.

    Act 571 of 1871 · P.L. 642 · May 9, 1871 · Scanned page

  90. To enable John Hopper, trustee of the Orange Oil Company, to convey certain land in Venango county, free from liability to escheat.

    Act 572 of 1871 · P.L. 643 · May 10, 1871 · Scanned page

  91. Supplement to an act incorporating the Bethlehem Iron Company, approved April eighth, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven, under the title of the Saucon Iron Company of the county of Northampton.

    Act 573 of 1871 · P.L. 644 · 1871 · Scanned page

  92. To incorporate the Printing Machine Telegraph Company.

    Act 574 of 1871 · P.L. 644 · May 10, 1871 · Scanned page

  93. Authorizing the governor to appoint one additional notary public in and for the city of Altoona.

    Act 575 of 1871 · P.L. 647 · May 10, 1871 · Scanned page

  94. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Plymouth Savings Bank, approved March twentieth, eighteen himdred and seventy-one,

    Act 576 of 1871 · P.L. 648 · 1871 · Scanned page

  95. Extending an act regulating auctions in the city of Lancaster, and other towns in this commonwealth, and the supplements thereto, to the borough of Coatesville, in the county of Chester.

    Act 577 of 1871 · P.L. 648 · May 10, 1871 · Scanned page

  96. Supplement to the act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the American Baptist Publication Society," approved March twentieth, one thousand eight hundred and forty-five.

    Act of 1871 · P.L. 649 · May 10, 1871 · Scanned page

  97. To incorporate the Northern Liberty Mutual Loan and Life Lisurance Association of the city of Pliiladelphia.

    Act of 1871 · P.L. 650 · May 10, 1871 · Scanned page

  98. To apply the fund raised from the dog tax in Potter county to the support of common schools.

    Act 580 of 1871 · P.L. 651 · May 10, 1871 · Scanned page

  99. Authorizing the rector, church wardens and vestrymen of Saint Luke's church, Scranton, to borrow money and issue bonds, and execute a mortgage as security therefor.

    Act 581 of 1871 · P.L. 651 · May 10, 1871 · Scanned page

  100. To enable the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Hyde Park to borrow monej', and secure the payment of the same.

    Act 582 of 1871 · P.L. 652 · May 10, 1871 · 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.