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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. For the relief of Joseph Liness.

    Act 661 of 1872 · P.L. 709 · April 1, 1872 · Scanned page

  2. 10 LAWS OF F«3JsrJISYLVANlA, No. G62. ■XX %ici commissioners. Notice of receiving subscriptions. Election for president and directors. Way Increase number of directors. Capital stock. Certificate to governor. Letters pat( nt. Title. Privileges. Ac. Proviso. Proviso. To incorporate the East End Life Insurance and Improvement Trust Company of Pittsburg.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 710 · April 1, 1872 · Scanned page

  3. To vacate a portion of Centre street, in the borougli of Pottsville, Schuylkill county.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 711 · April 1, 1872 · Scanned page

  4. To legalize tlie right of Joseph B. Reeves, to act as judge of election in and for the borough of Athens, in the county of Bradford.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 712 · April 1, 1872 · Scanned page

  5. To exempt the Germantown Hospital in the Twenty-second ward of the city of Philadelphia from taxation.

    Act 665 of 1872 · P.L. 712 · April 2, 1872 · Scanned page

  6. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Big Run of Beech Creek Navigation Company," approved the nineteentli day of July, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-six.

    Act 667 of 1872 · P.L. 714 · April 2, 1872 · Scanned page

  7. To repeal the charter of the South Improvement

    Act 668 of 1872 · P.L. 715 · 1872 · Scanned page

  8. For the removal of certain real estate of James Freeland from the limits of the borough of Millersburg, and annexing the same to the township of Upper Paxton, in the count}' of Dauphin.

    Act 669 of 1872 · P.L. 716 · April 2, 1872 · Scanned page

  9. For the making of ii stnte road in the counties of Schnylkill and Carbon.

    Act 670 of 1872 · P.L. 717 · April 2, 1872 · Scanned page

  10. Supplement to the act, entitled '-An Act to incorporate the Insurance Company of the State of Pennsj'lvania.

    Act 671 of 1872 · P.L. 718 · April 2, 1872 · Scanned page

  11. Supplement to the act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Tamaqua Life Insurance and Trust Company of Schuylkill county.

    Act 672 of 1872 · P.L. 719 · April 2, 1872 · Scanned page

  12. Relative to the Pennsylvania and New York Canal and Railroad Company.

    Act 673 of 1872 · P.L. 719 · April 2, 1872 · Scanned page

  13. To confirm title to certain real estatej

    Act 674 of 1872 · P.L. 721 · April 2, 1872 · Scanned page

  14. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Franklin Bank of the city of Philadelphia," passed the first day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and

    Act 675 of 1872 · P.L. 722 · April 2, 1872 · Scanned page

  15. Relating to the opening or vacating of streets in the borough of Pottsville.

    Act 616 of 1872 · P.L. 723 · April 2, 1872 · Scanned page

  16. Repealing an act declaring Annia creeli, in M'Kean count}', a public highway.

    Act 617 of 1872 · P.L. 723 · April 2, 1872 · Scanned page

  17. Relative to Second street between Paxton street and Race street, in the city of Harrisburg.

    Act 618 of 1872 · P.L. 724 · April 2, 1872 · Scanned page

  18. To GBtablish the Georgetown ferry over the Susquehanna river, from a point at or near Georgetown, in Northumberland county, to a point on the oi^posite shore, at or near the dwelling house of Philip Hilbush, in the county of Snyder.

    Act 679 of 1872 · P.L. 724 · April 2, 1872 · Scanned page

  19. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act regulating auctions and auctioneers in the boroughs of Hollidaysburg and Gaysport, and in the city of Altoona, in Blair county," approved the thirteenth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight.

    Act 680 of 1872 · P.L. 725 · April 2, 1872 · Scanned page

  20. Providiug for the taking of game in the county of Somerset.

    Act 681 of 1872 · P.L. 726 · April 2, 1872 · Scanned page

  21. To authorize the supervisors of the township of Summerhill, in the county of Crawford, to pay out of the funds in the treasury of said township certain debts contracted for bounty purposes.

    Act 682 of 1872 · P.L. 727 · April 2, 1872 · Scanned page

  22. To prevent fishing in Forest lake in the county of Susquehanna,

    Act 683 of 1872 · P.L. 727 · April 2, 1872 · Scanned page

  23. Extending the provisions of an act entitled "An Act relative to roads and public highways in Fulton and Salisbury townsliips, Lancaster county," approved the sixteenth day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight, to the township of Little Britain, said county.

    Act 684 of 1872 · P.L. 728 · April 2, 1872 · Scanned page

  24. To authorize the election of an additional supervisor of roads in Allegheny township, Somerset county.

    Act 685 of 1872 · P.L. 729 · April 2, 1872 · Scanned page

  25. Supplement to an act for the protection and preservation of fish within the county of Berks, approved the second day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven.

    Act 686 of 1872 · P.L. 729 · April 2, 1872 · Scanned page

  26. Authorizing the burgess and town council of the borough of Dale City, in the county of Somerset, to levy additional tax.

    Act 687 of 1872 · P.L. 730 · April 2, 1872 · Scanned page

  27. To provide for the collector of taxes in the borough of Temperanceville, in the county of Allegheny.

    Act 688 of 1872 · P.L. 731 · April 2, 1872 · Scanned page

  28. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Emaus Iron Company," approved the eleventh day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and

    Act 689 of 1872 · P.L. 732 · April 2, 1872 · Scanned page

  29. To repeal an act, entitled "An Act to provide for the election of road commissioners in Hickory township, county of Mercer, and for the better regulation of the road law in said township," approved May tenth, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-one.

    Act 690 of 1872 · P.L. 733 · April 2, 1872 · Scanned page

  30. Authoriziug the supervisors of Lower Mahanoy township, in Northumberland county, and the supervisors of Mifflin township, in Dauphin county, to build a foot-bridge over Mahantongo creek, at a point near the dwelling house of Solomon Ressler.

    Act 691 of 1872 · P.L. 734 · April 2, 1872 · Scanned page

  31. Corporators. Title. Powers aua privileges. Capital stock.Shares transferable. D\ rectors Klectioa. rrcsident, secretary, &c. Votea. Bujjiaees. o incornorate the Hadden Manufacturing Company of Philadelphia.

    Act 692 of 1872 · P.L. 736 · April 2, 1872 · Scanned page

  32. Supplement to an act incorporating the Green Land Company, approved May twenty-ninth, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-one.

    Act 693 of 1872 · P.L. 737 · April 2, 1872 · Scanned page

  33. To exempt the Fhiladelphia Society for the establishment and support of Charity Schools from taxaiion.

    Act 694 of 1872 · P.L. 738 · April 2, 1872 · Scanned page

  34. To authorize the chief burgess and town council of Tyrone city, Blair county, to borrow money and to levy and collect additional tax to pay the interest on the same.

    Act 695 of 1872 · P.L. 738 · April 2, 1872 · Scanned page

  35. Relating to the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company.

    Act 696 of 1872 · P.L. 739 · April 2, 1872 · Scanned page

  36. To the several acts incorporating the city of Pittsburg, enlarging its boundaries, &c.

    Act 699 of 1872 · P.L. 743 · April 2, 1872 · Scanned page

  37. To define the width of Noble street etween Front and Delaware avenue, in the city of Philadelphia.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 745 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  38. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the city of Franklin," approved tho fourth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 747 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  39. To vacate that part of Haydock street lying between Laurel street and Front street, in the Sixteenth ward of the city of Philadelphia.

    Act 101 of 1872 · P.L. 747 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  40. To allow the voters of the Twenty-first ward of the city of Philadelphia, to vote on the question of ficensingthe sale of intoxicating li- ' quors.

    Act 703 of 1872 · P.L. 748 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  41. To incorporate the Farmers' Mutttal Insurance and Protection Company of Chester County.

    Act 704 of 1872 · P.L. 750 · 1872 · Scanned page

  42. To prohibit the use of billiard tables, bowling-allevs, dice or card tables, in the township of Wyalusing, in the county of Braford.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 751 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  43. Relative to the law library fund, and relative to fines imposed by justices of the peace in the county of Erie.

    Act 106 of 1872 · P.L. 752 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  44. Relating to roads in Buckingham township, Wayne county. a

    Act 707 of 1872 · P.L. 752 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  45. To enable the school directors of the Oakland school district of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, to borrow money and issue bonds.

    Act 708 of 1872 · P.L. 754 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  46. Supplement to an act appointing commissioners to lay out a state road from Kane to Campbeirs mill, in M'Kean county, approved April seventeenth, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine.

    Act 709 of 1872 · P.L. 754 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  47. To legalize the election held ut t^ae house of Alexander Glessner, on March fifteenth, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and seventy-two, for Ligonier borough and township.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 756 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  48. Supplement to the act, entitled "An Act to extend the term of the county treasurer of Tioga county one year," certified May twent^'-six, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and seventy-one.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 757 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  49. To extend the limits of the borough of Utica.

    Act 113 of 1872 · P.L. 758 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  50. To authorize the county commissioners of Westmoreland county to borrow money, issue bonds and to levy a special tax for the purpose of erectiog a building for the insane poor of said county.

    Act 712 of 1872 · P.L. 758 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  51. To authorize the auditor general to examine and settle the account of Hugh Shaw and John R.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 759 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  52. To tix monthly return days in the courts of Blair county.

    Act 715 of 1872 · P.L. 760 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  53. To fix the place of meeting of the board of aldermen, in the city of Philadelphia.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 761 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  54. Supplement to an act approved the twenty-first day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Germantown Passenger Railway Company of Philadelphia," authorizing the said company to extend their tracks, and to convert bonds into stock.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 761 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  55. To extend certain avenues in the city of

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 762 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  56. Authorizing the borough of Selinsgrove, Snyder county, to borrow money, to issue therefor, and to levy and collect an additional tax to pay the same.

    Act 120 of 1872 · P.L. 766 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  57. To vacate Chester street, in the borough of Xorristown, Montgomery county.

    Act 719 of 1872 · P.L. 766 · 1872 · Scanned page

  58. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to punish buying or receiving of scrap iron, brass or otlier metals from minors or unknown and irresponsible persons in the counties of Lancaster and Phiiladelphia," approved the twenty-fourth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine, extending the provisions of said act to the counties of Lebanon and Montour.

    Act 721 of 1872 · P.L. 767 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  59. To bettor secure the paj'ment of municipal claims and taxes in the borough of South Chester.

    Act 722 of 1872 · P.L. 768 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  60. To authorize the overseers of the poor of the township of Smithfield, in the county of Monroe, to sell the real estate of Samuel Wilson, a deceased pauper.

    Act 723 of 1872 · P.L. 769 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  61. Supplement to an act, passed April third, one thousand eight hundred and sixtysix, relating to the fees of constables in the city of Philadelphia.

    Act 125 of 1872 · P.L. 772 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  62. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to regulate the weight of anthracite coal delivered by retail coal dealers in the city of Philadelphia," approved the twenty seventh day of May, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and seventy-one.

    Act 726 of 1872 · P.L. 772 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  63. Relating to the Williamsport Water Company.

    Act 127 of 1872 · P.L. 774 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  64. To authorize the commissioners of Lawrence county to sell a certain lot of ground and make title for the same.

    Act 728 of 1872 · P.L. 775 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  65. For the relief of Catharine Finecy, widow of Jacob Finecy, a soldier of the war of one thousand eight hundred and twelve.

    Act 729 of 1872 · P.L. 775 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  66. Supplement to an act authorizing the court of common pleas of Lebanon county to appoint one or more auditors to examine accounts of former treasurers, approved the sixth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and

    Act 730 of 1872 · P.L. 776 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  67. To incorporate the Foxburg Bridge Company.

    Act 731 of 1872 · P.L. 777 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  68. Supplement to the act incorporating the York and Marj'land Line Turnpike Road Company, approved March thirtj^-Iirst, one thousand eight hundred and

    Act 732 of 1872 · P.L. 778 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  69. Authorizing an investigation in the financial affairs of Indiana county

    Act 733 of 1872 · P.L. 778 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  70. Supplement to the act regulating the collection of taxes in Clearfield county.

    Act 734 of 1872 · P.L. 779 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  71. Authorizing the commissioners of M'Kean county to levy a special tax for the building and repairing of bridges, and paying the cost of road views.

    Act 735 of 1872 · P.L. 780 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  72. Supplement to an act incorporating the Union Banking Company.

    Act 736 of 1872 · P.L. 780 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  73. To repeal part of sections six and seven of an act providing for the election of the council in the borough of Marietta, and for other purposes, approved March fourteenth, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-two.

    Act 737 of 1872 · P.L. 781 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  74. Changing the place of holding elections in West Donegal township, in the county of Lancaster.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 782 · 1872 · Scanned page

  75. Relative to change of method of working and improving roads in Harford township, Susquehanna county.

    Act 730 of 1872 · P.L. 782 · 1872 · Scanned page

  76. Vacating a portion of Lion lane, in the borougli of Bridgewater, Beaver county, through parts of out-lots, number thirty-three, thirtyfour and thirty-eight, in the plan of out-lots of the borough of Beaver.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 784 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  77. To authorizG the school directors of Chapman borough, North:\mpton county, to borrov/ money exceeding five per centum of the last adjusted valuation of property, for the erection of a school house in said borough.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 785 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  78. To aunul the marriage contract berween George W. Jacobs and Edleen, hi.s wife.

    Act 741 of 1872 · P.L. 785 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  79. To provide for the detection of crime in the county of Dauphin.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 786 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  80. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act authorizing the citizens of Brooklyn and Lathrop townships, in the county of Susquehanna, to change the method of mending and improving the roads and building bridges in said townships," approved May eighteenth, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-one.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 787 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  81. To iacreuse ibe pay of viewers and reviewers of roads and bridges in the county of Crawford.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 788 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  82. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate! the Women's Christiin Association of PittsV>urg," approved April tenth, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight.

    Act 748 of 1872 · P.L. 789 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  83. To ail act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Pennsylvania Company for Insurances on Lives and Granting Annuities, and for other purposes," passed the tenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and twelve, authorizing an increase of the capital stock of said cornpan j'.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 790 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  84. To extend the charter of the Greenwich Improvement and Railroad Company,

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 791 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  85. To re-charter the Stroudsburg Bank, at Stroudsburg.

    Act 752 of 1872 · P.L. 792 · March 19, 1872 · Scanned page

  86. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Indiana Normal School of Pennsylvania," approved March twenty-fifth, A. D. one thousand eight hundred and seventj'-one.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 795 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  87. Relative to Tremont borough, Schuylkill county, authorizing council to appropriate surplus bounty money, and increase tax for borough purposes.

    Act 155 of 1872 · P.L. 795 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  88. To prevent interments in a certain priv^ate burial lot in the city of Pliiladelphia, and to perfect tbe title thereof.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 797 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  89. Authorizing and requiring the state treasurer to refund to Robert Garrett, executor of the last will aud testament of James Smith, late of Beaver county, deceased, certain collateral inheritance tax.

    Act 758 of 1872 · P.L. 798 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  90. Relative to the sale of unseated lands for taxes in the county of Beaver.

    Act 759 of 1872 · P.L. 798 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  91. Supplement to an act for the better and more impartial selection of persons to servo as jurors in eacti of tlae counties of this commonwealth, approved the tenth clay of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven.

    Act 760 of 1872 · P.L. 799 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  92. To extend the time for the collection of the borough tax in the borough of Alahanoy City, Schuylkill county.

    Act 761 of 1872 · P.L. 799 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  93. To authorize the school directors of Canton borr.U2;h, in the county of Bradford, to levy additional tax for school purposes.

    Act 762 of 1872 · P.L. 800 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  94. To change the corporate name of tlie burgess and council of the borough of Lebanon, and to legalize certain acts of the same.

    Act 763 of 1872 · P.L. 800 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  95. Authorizing the burgess and town council of the borough of Jersey- Shore, in Lycoming county, to increase the tax levy, and for the better collection of all taxes in said borough.

    Act 764 of 1872 · P.L. 801 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  96. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Venango Water Company.

    Act 765 of 1872 · P.L. 803 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  97. To allow tlie voters of the townships of West Deer, East Deer, Pine, Richland, Harrison, North Versailles, South Versailles, North Fa3^ette. South Fayette and Killbuck. in the county of Allegheny, to vote for or against the issuing of licenses for the sale of intoxicating liquors within the said townships.

    Act 766 of 1872 · P.L. 804 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  98. Relative to the school fund of Georges township, Fayette county.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 806 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  99. To incorporate the Ligonier Masonic Fund.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 806 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  100. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Middle Pennsylvania," approved the nineteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 808 · April 3, 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.