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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. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act relating to the fees, salaries and duties of certain county officers in Allegheny countj'," approved April sixth, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and seventy-one.

    Act 207 of 1872 · P.L. 208 · March 6, 1872 · Scanned page

  2. Regulating the election of borough ofUcers in the borough of Dillsburg, York county.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 211 · March 6, 1872 · Scanned page

  3. Supplement to an act authorizing the establishment of a law library in the county of Cumberland.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 212 · March 6, 1872 · Scanned page

  4. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to organize the Middle Coal Field poor district," approved the twenty-fifth day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two.

    Act 210 of 1872 · P.L. 212 · March 6, 1872 · Scanned page

  5. To enable Adam Warfel and James E. Oatenkirk, collectors of taxes in Brady township, Huntingdon county, to collect certain unpaid taxes.

    Act 211 of 1872 · P.L. 215 · 1872 · Scanned page

  6. Relative to appeals from assessments of real estate in the county of Lancaster.

    Act 212 of 1872 · P.L. 215 · March 6, 1872 · Scanned page

  7. Authorizing the Allegheny Valley Railroad Company to change the time of the annual meeting of their stockholders.

    Act 218 of 1872 · P.L. 216 · March 6, 1872 · Scanned page

  8. To enable the borough of Birmingham to borrow money.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 217 · March 6, 1872 · Scanned page

  9. Supplement to the act of March eighth, one thousand eight hundred and seventyone, to authorize the commissioners of Perry county to borrow money for the erection of a new poor house.

    Act 215 of 1872 · P.L. 217 · March 6, 1872 · Scanned page

  10. Supplement To the charter of incorporation of the trustees of the Western University of Pennsylvania.

    Act 216 of 1872 · P.L. 218 · March 6, 1872 · Scanned page

  11. To authorize an increase of the capital stock of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and to change the time of the annual meeting of the stockholders and election of directors.

    Act 217 of 1872 · P.L. 220 · 1872 · Scanned page

  12. To incorporate the Fireman's Insurance Company of the city of Altoona, Pennsylvania. Wuereas, The following fire engine, hose and hook and ladder companies of the cit}-^ of Altoona, namely : Vigilant Steam OF THE SESSION OP 1872. 221 Fire Engine Company, Good Will Steam Fire Engine Company, Excelsior Hose Company and the Empire Hook and Ladder Company, in order to promote harmony and

    Act 218 of 1872 · P.L. 220 · March 6, 1872 · Scanned page

  13. Relating to the election of a j ustice of the peace in the borough of Treniout, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania.

    Act 219 of 1872 · P.L. 226 · March 6, 1872 · Scanned page

  14. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the State Line and Juniata railroad," approved the fifth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and

    Act 221 of 1872 · P.L. 230 · 1872 · Scanned page

  15. Relative to certain school taxes in Warwick townsliip, Chester county.

    Act 222 of 1872 · P.L. 231 · March 6, 1872 · Scanned page

  16. To provide for the re-examination and re-settlement of the accounts of certain public officers of the county of York, from and after the first day of January, iu the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty.

    Act 223 of 1872 · P.L. 231 · March 6, 1872 · Scanned page

  17. To authorize and direct the state treasurer to pay over to John Gee, the net proceeds of the escheated estate of Mary Stapleton, deceased.

    Act 224 of 1872 · P.L. 233 · 1872 · Scanned page

  18. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Pennsylvania Company for Insurances on Lives and Granting Annuities," passed the tenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and twelve, extending the powers of said company as a bailee and depository.

    Act 225 of 1872 · P.L. 234 · March 7, 1872 · Scanned page

  19. To incorporate the Martin's Bar Meadow Company, in the county of Delaware.

    Act 226 of 1872 · P.L. 235 · March 7, 1872 · Scanned page

  20. To incorporate the Laborer Reformers' Pablishing Company of Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

    Act 227 of 1872 · P.L. 236 · March 7, 1872 · Scanned page

  21. To incorporate the North Lebanon Savings Bank.

    Act 228 of 1872 · P.L. 238 · March 7, 1872 · Scanned page

  22. To further amend an act, entitled "An Act to regulate the terms of the several courts in the Sixth judicial district," approved March second. Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven.

    Act 229 of 1872 · P.L. 241 · March 7, 1872 · Scanned page

  23. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act extending the provisions of an act relative to roads and public highwa3^s of Fulton and Salisbury townships, Lancaster county, to the township of Martic, said county," approved the twenty-seventh day of February, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine, repealing the same.

    Act 230 of 1872 · P.L. 242 · March 7, 1872 · Scanned page

  24. To an art, entitled "An Act relative to the opening and grading of Wylie avenue, from Kirkpatrick street to Herron avenue," approved May the twenty-third, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-one.

    Act 231 of 1872 · P.L. 243 · March 7, 1872 · Scanned page

  25. To extend the provisions of an act, entitled "An Act relative to committing magistrates of Lebanon, Dauphin, Adams and Franklin counties," approved the twenty-sixth day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine, to the counties of York, Perry, Cumberland and Columbia.

    Act 232 of 1872 · P.L. 244 · March 7, 1872 · Scanned page

  26. Authorizing the commissioners of Huntingdon county to refund to the borough of Huntingdon the cost of a certain bridge.

    Act 233 of 1872 · P.L. 244 · March 7, 1872 · Scanned page

  27. Supplement To an act, entitled "An Act relating to mechanical, manufacturing, mining and cxuarrying purposes," approved the eighteenth day of.July, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, so far as the same relates to the county of Beaver.

    Act 234 of 1872 · P.L. 245 · March 7, 1872 · Scanned page

  28. Kelating to certain lees to be paid by the county of Dauphin, for arrests and coinniitinents of inebriates, vaj^rants and disorderly persons in the city of Harrisburg.

    Act 235 of 1872 · P.L. 246 · March 7, 1872 · Scanned page

  29. To incorporate the Dollar Savings Bank of Waynesbiirg, in Greene county.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 247 · March 7, 1872 · Scanned page

  30. Relating to the publication of legal advertising in the county of Juniata.

    Act 231 of 1872 · P.L. 249 · March 7, 1872 · Scanned page

  31. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to extend the charter of the New York and Middle Coal Field Railroad and Coal Company.

    Act 238 of 1872 · P.L. 250 · March 7, 1872 · Scanned page

  32. To incorporate the Lancaster County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

    Act 239 of 1872 · P.L. 251 · March 7, 1872 · Scanned page

  33. To authorize the governor to appoint an additional notary public for the county of Allegheny.

    Act 240 of 1872 · P.L. 253 · March 7, 1872 · Scanned page

  34. To empower the governor to appoint six additional notaries public for the county of Allegheny.

    Act 241 of 1872 · P.L. 253 · March 7, 1872 · Scanned page

  35. To incorporate the Sherman's Valley Railroad Company.

    Act 242 of 1872 · P.L. 254 · March 7, 1872 · Scanned page

  36. Belative to the borough elections in the borough of Media, Delaware county.

    Act 243 of 1872 · P.L. 255 · March 7, 1872 · Scanned page

  37. To prevent the waters of Ridley creek, above the Media water vrorks, from being polluted.

    Act 244 of 1872 · P.L. 255 · March 7, 1872 · Scanned page

  38. Supplementary to an act relating to the building of sewers in the borough of Birmingham, county of Allegheny.

    Act 245 of 1872 · P.L. 256 · March 7, 1872 · Scanned page

  39. Where and how liens to be filed. Proceedings thereon. When two or more lots to be embraced in one lien. rommencement of liens. How long to continue. discharj^ed by judical sale. Mistakes in de Kcriptions not to vitiate liens. What interest sale upon writ to convey, «S:c. Proeeedingss in cases where owners of lots are unknown. Compensation oaths lo wit ne.sses N'o. 246. Relating to the

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 258 · March 7, 1872 · Scanned page

  40. Conferring additional powers upon the burgess and town council of ^ Rochester, in the county of Beaver.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 259 · 1872 · Scanned page

  41. Supplement to an act authorizing the city of Allegheny to issue water bonds, approved March twenty-second, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine.

    Act 248 of 1872 · P.L. 261 · 1872 · Scanned page

  42. Supplement Park commission may m.alce requisition lor city bonds. Portion of former act, repealed. How bonds to be issued, &c. To an act, entitled "An Act authorizing and providing powers and means for the conversion of the common grounds of the city of Allegheny into public parks," approved the twenty-sixth day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven.

    Act 249 of 1872 · P.L. 262 · March 8, 1872 · Scanned page

  43. To increase and limit the amount of taxation for twrougli purposes ia West Newton, Westmoreland county.

    Act 250 of 1872 · P.L. 263 · 1872 · Scanned page

  44. Relating to the Ridge Avenue Passenger Railway Company.

    Act 252 of 1872 · P.L. 264 · March 8, 1872 · Scanned page

  45. Supplementary to an act, entitled "An Act incorporating the city of Isew Castle, in the county of Lawrence.'

    Act 253 of 1872 · P.L. 266 · March 8, 1872 · Scanned page

  46. Supplement to the act incorporating the borough of Washington, in the county of Washington.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 268 · March 8, 1872 · Scanned page

  47. To authorize the appointment of six additional notaries public in tJiC counties of Elli and Clarion, and to ascertain and fix the fees of notaries public in said counties.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 269 · March 8, 1872 · Scanned page

  48. To appropriate certain sums for park purposes. Mayor to appoint superintendent of parks Xo. 256. To authorize the city of Titusville, Crawford county, to increase its indebtedness, to elect two additional councilmen in each ward, to issue bonds for the erection of water works, and to amend the manner of issuing sewerage and pavement bonds, et cetera.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 270 · March 8, 1872 · Scanned page

  49. Fixing the place of holding township elections in Shippenaburg township, Cumberland county.

    Act 257 of 1872 · P.L. 272 · 1872 · Scanned page

  50. To change the time of holding the courts of oyer and terminer and jail deliver}', and to hold special courts, &c., in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 273 · March 8, 1872 · Scanned page

  51. To authorize the election of an assessor to make an assessment for school purposes for the Evendale independent school district, formed from parts of Juniata and Snyder counties.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 273 · March 8, 1872 · Scanned page

  52. To change the place of holding elections in and for the township of Bratton, Mifflin county.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 274 · March 8, 1872 · Scanned page

  53. Relating to the election of school directors in Conyngham township, Columbia county.

    Act 261 of 1872 · P.L. 275 · March 8, 1872 · Scanned page

  54. Authorizing the Sharon Savings Bank to receive deposits from married women and minors, and to repay the same to them on their orders, et cetera.

    Act 262 of 1872 · P.L. 275 · March 8, 1872 · Scanned page

  55. To incorporate the borough of Hulnievllle, in Backs county.

    Act 263 of 1872 · P.L. 276 · March 8, 1872 · Scanned page

  56. Supplement to an act relating to the collection of state and county taxes in the county of Chester, approved the second day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight.

    Act 264 of 1872 · P.L. 279 · March 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  57. To incorporate the Perry County Mutual Benefit Association of Perry county, Pennsylvania.

    Act 265 of 1872 · P.L. 279 · March 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  58. To extend the provisions cf an act, entitled "An Act to prevent cattle, horses, mules, sheep and swine from running at large in Middlesex, Butler and Mercer townships, and Ilarrisvillo borough, Butler county,'" approved March fifteenth, one thousand eight hundred and seventj', to Washington and BiilTalo, Parker and Forward townships, in said county.

    Act 266 of 1872 · P.L. 280 · March 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  59. To charge the residence and farm now owned by David Fennel, of Salem township, Westmoreland county, from Concord independent school district, to Salem township school district.

    Act 267 of 1872 · P.L. 281 · March 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  60. Supplement to the act approved the nineteenth day of May, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and seventy-one, entitled "An Act to prevent the destruction of fish in the several streams of Lamar and Porter townships, in Clinton county.

    Act 269 of 1872 · P.L. 283 · March 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  61. Giving bounty on fox and pole-cat scalps in the county of Centre.

    Act 270 of 1872 · P.L. 283 · March 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  62. Providing fbr the better protection of sheep, and for the taxing of dogs in West Deer township, in Allegheny county.

    Act 275 of 1872 · P.L. 286 · March 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  63. Relating to the taxation of dog3 in East Nottingham township, in the county of Chester.

    Act 276 of 1872 · P.L. 288 · March 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  64. To amencl an act, entitled "An Act authorizing the Wilmington and Western Railroad Company to connect their railroad with the Delaware and Pennsylvania railroad, within this commonwealth.

    Act 277 of 1872 · P.L. 289 · March 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  65. To enable the burgess and town council of Elderton borough, Armstrong count}', to keep the streets in order in said borough.

    Act 279 of 1872 · P.L. 290 · March 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  66. Supplement to an act incorporating the borougii of Jamestown, in the county of Mercer.

    Act 280 of 1872 · P.L. 291 · 1872 · Scanned page

  67. To provide for the employment of special detectives in certain criminal cases in the county of Berks.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 292 · March 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  68. To authorize the surrenderor the Lav/renceville and Sharpsbnrg plank road to the city of Pittsburg.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 293 · 1872 · Scanned page

  69. Td validate the action of the commissioners of Erie county, and the municipal authorities of the city of Erie, in making appropriations to the sufferers by fire in Chicago, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan.

    Act 285 of 1872 · P.L. 295 · March 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  70. Xo. 286. mn act Authorizing any justice of the peace or burgess of the borough of Greenville to commit to the lock-up any person convicted of intoxication, et cetera.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 296 · March 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  71. To prohibit the salo of intoxicating liquors, wines, ale and beer, in the borough of Monongaheia City and Carroll township, Washington county.

    Act 289 of 1872 · P.L. 299 · March 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  72. To establish a ferry over the Youghiogheny river, at Dawson's Station, in Fayette county.

    Act 290 of 1872 · P.L. 300 · 1872 · Scanned page

  73. To repeal an act, entitled ''An Act to repeal all laws that require constables and boroughs of the counties of Bradford and Susquehanna to make returns to the several courts of said counties, and also providing that the several townships and boroughs shall pay the constables for attendance on elections," so far as relates to the county of Bradford.

    Act 291 of 1872 · P.L. 302 · March 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  74. To authorize the burgess and town council of the borough of Watsontown, Northumberland county, to levy and collect a borough tax in addition to that provided for by law.

    Act 292 of 1872 · P.L. 303 · March 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  75. 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-three, extending the same to the county of Lawrence.

    Act 293 of 1872 · P.L. 303 · March 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  76. To repeal an act, entitled "An Act for the protection of sheep and taxing dogs in the county of Lycoming.

    Act 294 of 1872 · P.L. 304 · 1872 · Scanned page

  77. Fixing the fees of the clerk of the orphans' court of Beaver county.

    Act 295 of 1872 · P.L. 305 · March 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  78. To be fl!cd. Fnrnishinsc liquors on election days, etc., proliibited. Wlvos, parents, itc. may recover "iitnia^^es sus- THJfied tlirougli furnishing ot 11u;i )rs in violairwii of la\r. To provide more efTectual remedies for violations of the license laws in Delaware county.

    Act 296 of 1872 · P.L. 306 · March 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  79. Relative to the Beaver and Mercer state ro'ad, Beaver county.

    Act 297 of 1872 · P.L. 307 · March 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  80. Relati-ye to sewers in the city of Oil City.

    Act 298 of 1872 · P.L. 308 · March 11, 1872 · Scanned page

  81. Supplementary to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the city of Oil City, and to provide for the payment of the debt of the borough of Oil City," approved the first day of March, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-one.

    Act 299 of 1872 · P.L. 310 · March 11, 1872 · Scanned page

  82. Relative to streets in the city of Oil City.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 318 · 1872 · Scanned page

  83. To incorporate the Odd Fellows' Savings Bank.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 324 · March 11, 1872 · Scanned page

  84. To amend the charter of the Westmoreland Coal Company, authorizing an increase of the capital stock and the purchase of real estate.

    Act 302 of 1872 · P.L. 326 · March 12, 1872 · Scanned page

  85. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Green and Coates Street Philadelphia Passenger Railway Company," approved April twentyfirst, Anno Domini eighteen hundred and fifty-eight, to confirm and allow the use of certain streets in the city of Philadelphia by the said corporation.

    Act 303 of 1872 · P.L. 327 · March 12, 1872 · Scanned page

  86. To repeal an act, entitled "An Act to change the venue in a certain action of ejectment from Clarion county to Venango county.

    Act 304 of 1872 · P.L. 328 · March 12, 1872 · Scanned page

  87. To authorize the Hazard Powder Company, a foreign corporation, to hold lands for corporate purposes within this coaiinonwealth.

    Act 305 of 1872 · P.L. 329 · March 12, 1872 · Scanned page

  88. Relative to assessors in the city of Reading.

    Act 306 of 1872 · P.L. 329 · March 12, 1872 · Scanned page

  89. To authorize the commissioners of Armstrong county to sell certain real estate.

    Act 307 of 1872 · P.L. 330 · March 12, 1872 · Scanned page

  90. Relating to fishing in the streams in the counties of Adams and Venango.

    Act 308 of 1872 · P.L. 331 · March 12, 1872 · Scanned page

  91. To authorize the commissioners of Lehigh county to borrow money, and to legalize loans made on bonds heretofore issued.

    Act 310 of 1872 · P.L. 335 · March 12, 1872 · Scanned page

  92. To regulate proceedings in relation to the erection and repairing of bridges in the county of Perry, and repealing all former acts inconsistent therewith.

    Act 311 of 1872 · P.L. 335 · March 12, 1872 · Scanned page

  93. To incerporate the Sunbury Dime Savings Bank.

    Act 312 of 1872 · P.L. 336 · March 13, 1872 · Scanned page

  94. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Union Passenger Railway Company of Philadelphia," approved April eighth, Anno Domini eighteen hundred and sixty-four, authorizing the said company to declare dividends quarterly, and to lay additional tracks of railway.

    Act 313 of 1872 · P.L. 339 · March 13, 1872 · Scanned page

  95. For the purpose of paying present indebtedness incurred for bounty and bi)rough purposes, fur the opening, grading, maeadauiizing, or otliei wise iu proving llie streets, cn)^«iny;s and alleys, Imilding niaikfts, or making such other peimanent public iuiprovt-nienls as the needs of the horough of Marietta. Pennsylvania, niiiy from time to time require, fui tiler h7;if-lation is

    Act 314 of 1872 · P.L. 340 · March 14, 1872 · Scanned page

  96. To incorporate the Wayne County Railroad Company.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 343 · March 14, 1872 · Scanned page

  97. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to authorize the councils of the city of Philadelphia to revise and change the grades of the streets of the Fifteenth ward of the city of Philadelphia, lying and being between Brown and Poplar streets, and between Twenty-fourth street and Twenty-eighth street,'* approveii the f )urtoenth day of June, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-one.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 345 · March 14, 1872 · Scanned page

  98. Relative to the election of road supervisors in the township of Lower Saint Clair, in the county of Allegheny.

    Act 317 of 1872 · P.L. 346 · March 14, 1872 · Scanned page

  99. To an aet to incorporate the Union Gold and Silver Mining Companj-, approved March twenty-third, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four.

    Act 318 of 1872 · P.L. 346 · March 14, 1872 · Scanned page

  100. Authorizing the executor of Daniel Focht, late of Lebanon county, deceased, to make certain investments, et cetera.

    Act 319 of 1872 · P.L. 347 · March 14, 1872 · 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.