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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 fiicilitate the collection of taxes in the borough of Pittston, in the county of Luzerne.

    Act 803 of 1871 · P.L. 894 · May 18, 1871 · Scanned page

  2. To vacate Hart lane, from Twenty-second to Twenty-seventh streets, in the Twent3'--eighth ward of the cit}^ of Philadelphia.

    Act 804 of 1871 · P.L. 895 · May 18, 1871 · Scanned page

  3. To authorize the school directors of Hyde Park to issue bonds and to pay indebtedness.

    Act 805 of 1871 · P.L. 896 · May 18, 1871 · Scanned page

  4. Supplement to an act, entitled '-An Act to incorporate the city of Franklin, in the county of Venango,'' approved the fourth day of April, Anno Dom- • ini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight.

    Act 806 of 1871 · P.L. 896 · May 18, 1871 · Scanned page

  5. Relative to public roads in South Union and Dunbar townships, in th« county of Fayette.

    Act 807 of 1871 · P.L. 899 · May 18, 1871 · Scanned page

  6. To incorporate the Crystal Lake Turnpike Company.

    Act 809 of 1871 · P.L. 903 · May 18, 1871 · Scanned page

  7. Supplement To an act incorporfiting the Susquehanna and Lehigh turnpike road, approved the nineteenth day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and four, giving authority to vacate and supply i3ortions of its road in Luzerne county.

    Act 810 of 1871 · P.L. 904 · May 18, 1871 · Scanned page

  8. To incorporate the Lackawanna hospital of Scranton, Pennsylvania.

    Act 811 of 1871 · P.L. 905 · May 18, 1871 · Scanned page

  9. Supplement to an act incorporating the Scranton Gas and Water Company, ap_ proved March sixteenth, one thousand eight hundred and

    Act 812 of 1871 · P.L. 905 · May 18, 1871 · Scanned page

  10. Supplementary to an act authorizinj? the governor to incorporate a company for erecting a bridge over the Monongahela, opposite Pittsburg, in the county of Allegheny, and to the act re-enacting the same, and the several supplements thereto.

    Act 813 of 1871 · P.L. 906 · 1871 · Scanned page

  11. Relating to a public park in the city of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.

    Act 814 of 1871 · P.L. 910 · May 18, 1871 · Scanned page

  12. Relating to the Atlantic and Great Western Railway Company.

    Act 815 of 1871 · P.L. 913 · 1871 · Scanned page

  13. To incorporate the Plainsville and Wilkesbarre Passenger Rad Company.

    Act 816 of 1871 · P.L. 913 · May 18, 1871 · Scanned page

  14. To incorporate the Laurel Run Improvement Company.

    Act 817 of 1871 · P.L. 915 · May 18, 1871 · Scanned page

  15. Authorizing the citizens of Brooklyn and Latlirop townsliips, in the county of Susquehanna, to ctiange the method of mending and im.proving the roads and building bridges in said townships.

    Act 818 of 1871 · P.L. 917 · 1871 · Scanned page

  16. Supplementary to an act incorporating the borough of East Birmingham, in the county of Allegheny.

    Act 819 of 1871 · P.L. 921 · May 18, 1871 · Scanned page

  17. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the State Line and Juniata railroad.

    Act 820 of 1871 · P.L. 935 · May 18, 1871 · Scanned page

  18. To pay a gratuity and an annuity to John Hughes, a soldier of the war of one thousand eight hundred and twelve. WnEREAS, John Hughes, a, soldier of the war of one thousand eight hundred and twelve, a citizen of Pennsylvania, and now cight3'-two years of age, in nccessitious circumstances and not worth five hundred dollars, served in said war by enlistment : And whereas, By reason of

    Act 821 of 1871 · P.L. 936 · 1871 · Scanned page

  19. To change the mode of collecting the road tax of the borough of Conneautville. Crawford county.

    Act 822 of 1871 · P.L. 936 · May 18, 1871 · Scanned page

  20. To incorporate the Miners' Trust and Safe Deposit Company.

    Act 823 of 1871 · P.L. 937 · 1871 · Scanned page

  21. Relative to appeals from judgments of magistrates in the county of Allegheny.

    Act 824 of 1871 · P.L. 938 · May 18, 1871 · Scanned page

  22. To authorize the Long Reach independent school district, in the county of Lycoming, to borrow money for school and building purposes.

    Act 825 of 1871 · P.L. 939 · May 18, 1871 · Scanned page

  23. To repeal an act, entitled ' 'An Act to authorize t"he purchase or erection of a poor house for the township and. borough of Mount Carmel.'' approved April twenty-fourth, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine.

    Act 826 of 1871 · P.L. 940 · May 18, 1871 · Scanned page

  24. Authorizing the state treasurer to refund collateral tax erroneously paid by Edward S. ^larshall, executor of the estate of Susanna Pusey, late of Chester county, deceased.

    Act 827 of 1871 · P.L. 940 · 1871 · Scanned page

  25. Changing the boundary hne of the First precinct of Shalar township, Allegheny county.

    Act 828 of 1871 · P.L. 941 · May 18, 1871 · Scanned page

  26. Authorizing the governor to appoint a ganger and inspector of crude and refined petroleum for the county of Clarion, and one for the county of Armstrong.

    Act 829 of 1871 · P.L. 942 · May 18, 1871 · Scanned page

  27. Relating to certain railroad, canal and incorporated companies authorized to construct railroads, and authorizing such companies to purchase and hold stock and bonds, to lease roads and property of and consolidate with each other, in the counties of Susquehanna, Wyoming, Wayne and Luzerne.

    Act 830 of 1871 · P.L. 942 · May 18, 1871 · Scanned page

  28. To incorporate the Lock Haven. Nittany and Sugar Valley Narrow Gauge Railroad Company.

    Act 831 of 1871 · P.L. 943 · March 17, 1871 · Scanned page

  29. To incorporate the Youghiogheny Bank of

    Act 832 of 1871 · P.L. 946 · 1871 · Scanned page

  30. Providing for the removal of the dead in the Methodist burial ground, Harrisburg.

    Act 833 of 1871 · P.L. 948 · May 18, 1871 · Scanned page

  31. Supplement to an act to authorize a re-organization of the Pennsylvania Steel Company and an increase of its capital stock, approved March twentythird, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-six.

    Act of 1871 · P.L. 949 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  32. To authorize James M. Taylor, an alderman of the Ninth ward of the city of Pittsburg, iu Allegheny county, to have his family residence in the Nineteenth ward of the city of Pittsburg during the remainder of his term of office.

    Act 835 of 1871 · P.L. 950 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  33. To exempt the county of Lycoming from the provisions of an act, entitled "An Act to protect timber lands from fire," approved June second, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and

    Act 836 of 1871 · P.L. 950 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  34. Supplement to an act, entitled *'An Act to open an alley in the borough of

    Act 837 of 1871 · P.L. 951 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  35. To repeal an act, entitled "An Act authorizing the burgess and council of the borough of Sunbury, in Northumberland county, to open and extend Second and Fourth streets, in said borough," approved the twenty-second day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and

    Act 838 of 1871 · P.L. 951 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  36. Supplementary to an act relating to mechanics' lien and others, approved first day of ISIay, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, bo extended to Lebanon county.

    Act 839 of 1871 · P.L. 952 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  37. To repeal the eleventh section of an act approved the twenty-sixth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, entitled "An Act relating to corporations and estates held for corporate, religious and charitable uses," as far as relates to the will of Clara Hofl'man, deceased.

    Act 840 of 1871 · P.L. 953 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  38. Authorizing the bnrgess and town council of the borough of Braddocks, in the county of Allegheny, to establish and regulate borough weighscales.

    Act 841 of 1871 · P.L. 954 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  39. To incorporate the Iron Bank.

    Act 842 of 1871 · P.L. 955 · 1871 · Scanned page

  40. 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, and the supplement thereto, approved the third day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and seventy-one.

    Act 843 of 1871 · P.L. 957 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  41. For the division of the borough of Shamokin into two wards, and for the better government of the same.

    Act 844 of 1871 · P.L. 958 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  42. To release Benjamin Corsin, of "Washington county, from the payment of certain collateral inheritance tux.

    Act 845 of 1871 · P.L. 960 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  43. To authorize the opening of Lowrie street, in Reserve township and Millvale borough, Allegheny county.

    Act 846 of 1871 · P.L. 961 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  44. To incorporate the Modern Life Insurance and ImproTement Trust Company of Pittsburg.

    Act 849 of 1871 · P.L. 964 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  45. To authorize the executors of Doctor Reuben E. Briener to remove the burial vault belonging to his estate.

    Act 850 of 1871 · P.L. 965 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  46. To Incorporate the West Pittsburg Inclined Plane Company.

    Act 851 of 1871 · P.L. 966 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  47. Supplementary to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Lebanon Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Jonestown, Pennsylvania," approved April twenty-first, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-six.

    Act 852 of 1871 · P.L. 967 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  48. To allow certain owners of land in Indiana township, Allegheny county, to apply the road taxes assessed against them towards keeping the Sharpsburg and Kittanning turnpike road in repair.

    Act 853 of 1871 · P.L. 968 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  49. THE SESSION OF 1871. 969 ^o. 854. Entitled "An Act to authorize tlie town council of the borough of Alba, in Bradford county, to levy a road tax.

    Act 854 of 1871 · P.L. 969 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  50. To authorize the supervisors of Upper Nazareth township, Northampton county, to tax certain property for township purposes.

    Act 855 of 1871 · P.L. 970 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  51. To authorize the school directors of the West Nicholson independent school district of Nicholson township, in the county of Wyoming, to levy an additional tax, and to borrow money for building purposes.

    Act 856 of 1871 · P.L. 970 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  52. Relative to the assessment and collection of taxes on unseated lands in Barclay township, Bradford county.

    Act 857 of 1871 · P.L. 971 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  53. For the protection of side-walks and shade trees in the township of Spring, in the county of Crawford.

    Act 858 of 1871 · P.L. 972 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  54. Thousand eight hundred and seventy-one. JNO. W. GEARY. IS^'o. 859. In reference to private roads in the coumty of Northampton.

    Act 859 of 1871 · P.L. 972 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  55. To alter the road laws in the township of Dimock, Susquehanna county.

    Act 860 of 1871 · P.L. 973 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  56. Authorizing the appointment of auctioneers for the city of Reading, in the county of BerliS, Pennsylvania.

    Act 864 of 1871 · P.L. 976 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  57. To incorporate the Gibson Co-operative Association.

    Act 865 of 1871 · P.L. 977 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  58. Xo. 867. %\\ ^t\ Eestricting the assessment of certain taxes in Montgomery county.

    Act of 1871 · P.L. 979 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  59. To authorize the school directors of Union township, in the county of Allegheny, to borrow money.

    Act 866 of 1871 · P.L. 979 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  60. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the city of Oil City, and to provide for the separate payment of the debt of the borough of Oil City," approved the first day of March, eighteen hundred and seventyone, describing more accurately the city limits.

    Act of 1871 · P.L. 980 · 1871 · Scanned page

  61. To vacate an alley in the borough of Greenville, in Mercer county.

    Act 869 of 1871 · P.L. 980 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  62. To extend to West-town township, Chester county, certain provisions of an act granting certain powers and authorities to the cities of Lancaster and Philadelphia, approved the sixteenth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight, and to legalize the acts of the supervisors of the said township.

    Act 810 of 1871 · P.L. 981 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  63. Supplement to an act, entitled "A further supplement (approved the sixth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and seventy) to a supplement (approved the tenth day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven) to an act empowering the Lutheran congregation of the Old Goshenhoppen church, in Upi)er Salford township, in Montgomery county, to collect

    Act 811 of 1871 · P.L. 982 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  64. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to authorize the courts of Bradford county to hold additional sessions in the borough of Troy, in said county," l)assed the twenty-third day of February, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and

    Act 812 of 1871 · P.L. 983 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  65. To incorporate the Starrucca and Hancock Turnpike Road Company.

    Act 873 of 1871 · P.L. 983 · March 29, 1871 · Scanned page

  66. Supplement to an act approved the twenty-ninth day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-one, relative to incorporating the Germantown Water Company.

    Act 874 of 1871 · P.L. 984 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  67. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act relative to the creation of police district in Robinson township, county of Allegheny, approved April fifth, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and

    Act 875 of 1871 · P.L. 985 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  68. In relation to bonds of indemnity in the county of Alleglienj'.

    Act of 1871 · P.L. 986 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  69. Supplement to an act relative to the draining of wet or spouty lands in certain counties, approved the fourth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-threo, extending the same to the counties of Warren and Mercer.

    Act of 1871 · P.L. 987 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  70. To authorize Andrew J. Beachell to erect and maintain a dam in Middle creek, Snyder county, and to riprap and improve the banks of said creek.

    Act 878 of 1871 · P.L. 987 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  71. To authorize the city of Corry, in the county of Erie, to issue bonds * and fund the indebtedness of said city.

    Act 880 of 1871 · P.L. 989 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  72. To authorize the trustees of the First Reformed church of the borough of Catasauqua to mortgage real estate.

    Act 881 of 1871 · P.L. 990 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  73. Appointing commissioners to view and lay out a public road in the counties of JSIonroe and Pike.

    Act of 1871 · P.L. 991 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  74. To authorize the school diectorsof the city of Franklin, Venango county, to borrow money

    Act 882 of 1871 · P.L. 991 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  75. To extend to the township of Birmingham, in the county of Chester, the West Marlborough road law.

    Act 884 of 1871 · P.L. 992 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  76. To inoorporate the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument Association of Ashland and vicinity.

    Act 885 of 1871 · P.L. 993 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  77. To authorize the school directors of the township of Porter, in the county of Schuylkill, to borrow money.

    Act of 1871 · P.L. 994 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  78. To legalize the election of certain officers in the city of Carbondale.

    Act 888 of 1871 · P.L. 995 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  79. Authorizing the English Evangelical Lutheran church of Lock Haven to issue bonds.

    Act 889 of 1871 · P.L. 996 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  80. Kepealing so much of an act, entitled "An Act authorizing the town council of the borough of Carlisle to appoint viewers to assess damages and contributions sustained from the opening of streets and alleys," approved eleventh April, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight, as relates to private alleys or courts.

    Act 890 of 1871 · P.L. 996 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  81. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to authorize the governor of the commonwealth to incorporate the Wilkesbarre Water Company," approved February fifteenth, one thousand eight hundred and fifty.

    Act of 1871 · P.L. 997 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  82. Act relative to fees extended to Lancaster county. Act relative to lees of county officers extended to clerks of courts. gi Supplement To an act, entitled "An Act to ascertain and appoint the fees to be received by the several officers of this common-wealth," approved April second, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight, extending the same to the countj^ of Lancaster.

    Act 892 of 1871 · P.L. 998 · 1871 · Scanned page

  83. To incorporate the Crystal Lake Steamboat Company.

    Act 893 of 1871 · P.L. 998 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  84. In relation to certain roads in Union county.

    Act 894 of 1871 · P.L. 1000 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  85. To protect the elections of voluntary political associations, to regulate primary elections and punish frauds therein, -within the limits of the county of Lancaster.

    Act 895 of 1871 · P.L. 1001 · 1871 · Scanned page

  86. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act erecting parts of Clinton, Potter, M'Kean and Elk into a county, to be called Cameron.

    Act 890 of 1871 · P.L. 1002 · 1871 · Scanned page

  87. Incorporating the Twenty-first Ward :Market Association of the city of Pittsburg, in the county of Allegheny.

    Act 897 of 1871 · P.L. 1003 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  88. To authorize the governor to commission two additional lieutenants, as elected by the Keystone Battery, First brigade. First division, N. G. of Pa.

    Act 898 of 1871 · P.L. 1005 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  89. To vacate a part of the Titusville and Breedtown public road, in the city of Titusville.

    Act 899 of 1871 · P.L. 1005 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  90. To prevent the destruction of fish in the several streams of Lamar and Porter townships, in Clinton county.

    Act 900 of 1871 · P.L. 1006 · 1871 · Scanned page

  91. Authorizing the removal of the dead from the burial ground of the Baptist church of Phoenixville, Chester county, Pennsylvania, to the Morris cemetery, adjoining said borough.

    Act 901 of 1871 · P.L. 1006 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  92. To enable the directors of borough of Centreville, Crawford county, to borrow money to build a school house.

    Act 902 of 1871 · P.L. 1007 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  93. To extend to Warren county the provisions of an act, entitled "An Act to amend an act, approved April eighth, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight, entitled 'An Act relating to liens of mechanics, material-men and laborers upon leasehold estates and property thereon, in the counties of Venango, Crawfurd and Warren, and the supplement thereto, approved April thirteenth, one thousand

    Act 903 of 1871 · P.L. 1008 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  94. To extend the provisions of an act in relation to roads and bridges in Kilbuck township, Allegheny county, to the townsliij) of Moon, Allegheny county.

    Act 904 of 1871 · P.L. 1008 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  95. Granting a pension to Joseph Thompson, a soldier of the war of one thousand eight hundred and twelve.

    Act 905 of 1871 · P.L. 1009 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  96. To incorporate the Wyoming Turnpike Road Company.

    Act 906 of 1871 · P.L. 1010 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  97. To vacate part of Twelfth street, (formerly High street,) in the city of Franklin, Venango county.

    Act of 1871 · P.L. 1011 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  98. Supplement To the act of assembly incorporating the city of Lock Haven, approved the twenty-eighth day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and

    Act of 1871 · P.L. 1011 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  99. To authorize the road commissioners of the township of Harbor Creek, in the covmty of Erie, to assess and collect an additional road tax.

    Act 909 of 1871 · P.L. 1012 · May 19, 1871 · Scanned page

  100. Supplement to an act forbidding the building of stables in a certain portion of the city of Reading, approved April eleventh, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-six.

    Act 910 of 1871 · P.L. 1012 · May 19, 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.