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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. Supplementary to the charter of the Citizens' Buikling and Loan Association of Shenandoah, located in the borough of Shenandoah, in the county of Scnuj'lkill.

    Act 886 of 1872 · P.L. 923 · April 4, 1872 · Scanned page

  2. To empower the school district of Swatara to levy and collect an additional tax.

    Act 887 of 1872 · P.L. 924 · April 4, 1872 · Scanned page

  3. Relative to the pay of township auditors in the county of Juniata.

    Act 888 of 1872 · P.L. 925 · April 4, 1872 · Scanned page

  4. Kelating to the filing of municipal liens in the city of Allegheny.

    Act 889 of 1872 · P.L. 926 · April 4, 1872 · Scanned page

  5. Annexing a part of Reserve township to the city of Allegheny.

    Act 890 of 1872 · P.L. 926 · April 4, 1872 · Scanned page

  6. Relative to the recording of the laws, ordinances, regulations and constitutions of the citj'' of Allegheny.

    Act 891 of 1872 · P.L. 927 · April 4, 1872 · Scanned page

  7. To exempt the parsonage of the First Presbyterian churcli of Big Spring, Newton township, Cumberland county from taxation.

    Act 894 of 1872 · P.L. 930 · April 4, 1872 · Scanned page

  8. Supplement to an act relative to livery stable keepers and others in certain counties, approved March fifteenth, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-one, extending the provisions of the same to the county of

    Act 895 of 1872 · P.L. 931 · April 4, 1872 · Scanned page

  9. Supplement to an act, entitled <'An Act to incorporate the Delaware River and Lancaster Railroad Companj'," approved the twenty-fourth day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight.

    Act 397 of 1872 · P.L. 932 · April 4, 1872 · Scanned page

  10. In regard to certain trust estate of Maria H. Watson, of East Donegal township, Lancaster county.

    Act 808 of 1872 · P.L. 933 · April 4, 1872 · Scanned page

  11. To change the venue in a certain case from Pliiladelphia city to Venango

    Act 900 of 1872 · P.L. 935 · April 4, 1872 · Scanned page

  12. To repeal au act, entitled "An Act to authorize the burgess and town council of the borough of Cherry Tree, Indiana countj^ to levy and collect an additional tax for the purpose of making and keeping in repair the roads and streets in said borough," approved March thirtieth, eighteen hundred and sixty-six.

    Act 901 of 1872 · P.L. 935 · April 4, 1872 · Scanned page

  13. Relating to the duties of the secretary of the school board of the Fourth school district of the city of Scran ton.

    Act 902 of 1872 · P.L. 936 · April 4, 1872 · Scanned page

  14. Providing for the election of constables and assessors in the several ^\ards of ilie borough of Columbia, in the county of Lancaster.

    Act 903 of 1872 · P.L. 937 · April 4, 1872 · Scanned page

  15. To authorize the road supervisors of Hickory township, Mercer county, to levy additional taxes for road purposes.

    Act 904 of 1872 · P.L. 938 · April 4, 1872 · Scanned page

  16. To authorize the road supervisors of West Salem township, Mercer county, to levy additional taxes for road purposes.

    Act 905 of 1872 · P.L. 939 · 1872 · Scanned page

  17. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act for the protection of sheep in certain counties," approved the eighth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two.

    Act 906 of 1872 · P.L. 939 · April 4, 1872 · Scanned page

  18. To incorporate the Association of the Supreme Grand Branch of tlin Emerald Beneficial Association of the United States of North America.

    Act 907 of 1872 · P.L. 940 · April 4, 1872 · Scanned page

  19. To incorporate the Library and Literary Association of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.

    Act 908 of 1872 · P.L. 942 · 1872 · Scanned page

  20. Providing for repairing the Susquehanna and Tioga Turnpike Road in the counties of Luzerne and

    Act 909 of 1872 · P.L. 943 · April 4, 1872 · Scanned page

  21. To authorize the borough of Phoenixville to erect water and gas works, and to supply the said borough with water and gas.

    Act 910 of 1872 · P.L. 945 · April 4, 1872 · Scanned page

  22. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Pittsburg and Norwood ^ Railway Company with power, inter alia, to hold, sell and improve real estate and mine minerals," approved the twenty-eighth day of February, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and seventytwo.

    Act 911 of 1872 · P.L. 949 · April 4, 1872 · Scanned page

  23. Supplement to an act, entitled >'An Act to incorporate the city of

    Act 912 of 1872 · P.L. 950 · April 4, 1872 · Scanned page

  24. Relating to the election of city councilmen for the city of Willamsport, and to fix their terms of office.

    Act 913 of 1872 · P.L. 952 · April 4, 1872 · Scanned page

  25. For the payment for services due to Capt. R. W.

    Act 914 of 1872 · P.L. 953 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  26. Relating to the collection of taxes in the county of Indiana.

    Act 915 of 1872 · P.L. 954 · April 4, 1872 · Scanned page

  27. To incorporate the Farmers' and Mechanics' Saving Bank.

    Act 916 of 1872 · P.L. 957 · April 3, 1872 · Scanned page

  28. For the relief of Edward R.

    Act 917 of 1872 · P.L. 959 · April 4, 1872 · Scanned page

  29. To annul the marriage contract between Robert Morrow and Julia P. Morrow, his wife.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 960 · April 4, 1872 · Scanned page

  30. Supplement to an act to incorporate the city of Scrantoii, changui^ the date of ' tiie election of certain officers,

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 961 · April 4, 1872 · Scanned page

  31. Supplement to the act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Pennsylvania Insurance Company of Pottsville," approved the eighth clay of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and

    Act 921 of 1872 · P.L. 963 · April 4, 1872 · Scanned page

  32. Supplement to an act, entitled '-An Act to incorporate the Lombard and South Street Passenger Railway Company," passed May sixteenth, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one.

    Act 922 of 1872 · P.L. 964 · April 4, 1872 · Scanned page

  33. For the protection of fish in the Kiskiniinitas river and its tributaries.

    Act 923 of 1872 · P.L. 965 · April 5, 1872 · Scanned page

  34. Providing I'or the relief of John A. Rex by the commissioners of Montgomery county.

    Act 925 of 1872 · P.L. 968 · April 5, 1872 · Scanned page

  35. Supplement to the act, entitled "An Act to confer on certain associations of the citizens of this commonwealth the powers and immunities of corporations and bodies politic in law, and to contirm charters heretofore frranted," approved April twelfcli, one thousand eight hundred and tiftj'-niiie, as far as relates to Juniata county.

    Act 926 of 1872 · P.L. 968 · April 5, 1872 · Scanned page

  36. Authorizing the governor to appoint an additional notary public for the county of Lehigh and city of Philadelpliia.

    Act 927 of 1872 · P.L. 969 · April 5, 1872 · Scanned page

  37. To incorporate the Raj'stowii Branch Boom Company.

    Act 928 of 1872 · P.L. 970 · April 5, 1872 · Scanned page

  38. To incorporate the Safe Deposit and Trust Company of Wheatland.

    Act 929 of 1872 · P.L. 972 · April 5, 1872 · Scanned page

  39. Entitled an act to incorporate the Mount Carmel Saving Bank.

    Act 930 of 1872 · P.L. 974 · April 5, 1872 · Scanned page

  40. To regulate the construction of bridges in the city of Pittsburg.

    Act 931 of 1872 · P.L. 978 · April 5, 1872 · Scanned page

  41. To amend an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Warren and Jefferson Railroad and Coal Company," approved the fourth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and

    Act 932 of 1872 · P.L. 978 · April 4, 1872 · Scanned page

  42. To allow the Lackawanna and Susquehanna Coal and Iron Company to increase their stock and bonds.

    Act 933 of 1872 · P.L. 979 · April 5, 1872 · Scanned page

  43. To incorporate the Mysterious Pilgrims of Philadelphia.

    Act 934 of 1872 · P.L. 979 · 1872 · Scanned page

  44. To incorporate the Manhattan Club of Philadelphia.

    Act 935 of 1872 · P.L. 980 · April 5, 1872 · Scanned page

  45. To authorize the rector, church wardeus and vestrymen of Gloria Dei church, in the district of Southwark, to extinguish certain ground rents, and to sell and convey certain real estate.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 982 · April 6, 1872 · Scanned page

  46. To exempt the property of the Philadelphia Orthopajclic Hospital from taxation.

    Act 938 of 1872 · P.L. 984 · 1872 · Scanned page

  47. For the payment of Hamilton Alricks, Jr., for the design and working drawings of the monument erected to soldiers in the late war Avith Mexico.

    Act 939 of 1872 · P.L. 985 · April 6, 1872 · Scanned page

  48. Relative to insane and indigent persons in the county of Allegheny.

    Act 940 of 1872 · P.L. 985 · April 8, 1872 · Scanned page

  49. To aid the Central Xorinal School Association of the state of Pennsylvania.

    Act 042 of 1872 · P.L. 989 · April 8, 1872 · Scanned page

  50. To vacate a portion of the state road from New Castle, in Lawrence countj', to Emlington, in Venango county.

    Act 944 of 1872 · P.L. 993 · April 8, 1872 · Scanned page

  51. Relating to the collection of taxes in the county of Cambria.

    Act 945 of 1872 · P.L. 994 · April 8, 1872 · Scanned page

  52. For the opening of Powelton avenue, from the intersection of Twentythird street and Callowhill street, in the Fifteenth ward of the city of Philadelphia, to Tweutj'-fourth street.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 997 · April 8, 1872 · Scanned page

  53. Authorizing the town council of the borough of Beaver Falls to borrow money to grade streets and pay off the debt of said borough.

    Act 941 of 1872 · P.L. 998 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  54. To exempt the county of Schuylkill from the provisions of an act approved the tenth day of May, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-six, entitled "An Act relative to hucksters in the county of Lebanon."'

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 999 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  55. To exempt the parsonage of the Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of Shippensburg from the payment of taxes.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 999 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  56. To incorporate Northumberland Car and ^Manufacturing Company.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 1000 · 1872 · Scanned page

  57. To repeal an act, entitled "An Act appointing commissioners to lay out a state road from Kellj^'s station, on the West Pennsylvania railroad, in Indiana county, to a point on ttieNew Alexandria and Conemaugh tiirDi:)ike road, near tne house of Jacob O. Alter, in Westmoreland county," approved April thirteenth, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine, and the supplement thereto, approved

    Act 950 of 1872 · P.L. 1000 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  58. Relative to the aldermen of the city of Pliiladelphia.

    Act 053 of 1872 · P.L. 1004 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  59. Relative to the navigability uf Xesbannoek creek.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 1005 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  60. Supplement to an act ai:)pointing commissioners to lay out and open a state road in the counties of M'Kean, Elk, Forest and Clarion, approved May first, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one.

    Act 955 of 1872 · P.L. 1005 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  61. To au act, entitled " An Act relating to roads, bigliways and bridges," approved June thirteenth, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and tliirty-six.

    Act 956 of 1872 · P.L. 1007 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  62. Authorizing the White's Creek Brown Stone Company to change the corporate name and issue coupon bonds. Sectiox 1.

    Act 958 of 1872 · P.L. 1009 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  63. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to erect parts of Norwegian, Branch, Wa3'ue and North Manheini townships, in the county of Schuylkill, into a separate school district, and relative to school districts in Armstrong, Indiana, Jefferson and Westmoreland counties," approved the fourteenth day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty.

    Act 959 of 1872 · P.L. 1010 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  64. To require the county commissioners of Westmoreland county to repair county bridges on due notice from the supervisors of any township iu wbicli a county bridge is or may be erected.

    Act 960 of 1872 · P.L. 1011 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  65. Supplementary to the several acts in relation to the borough of Chambersburg, dividing said borough into four wards.

    Act 961 of 1872 · P.L. 1011 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  66. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Penn Gas Coal Company.

    Act 962 of 1872 · P.L. 1014 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  67. To authorize the auditors of Lawrence county to re-audit the accounts of John A. Porter, late treasurer, for the year one thousand eight liundred and

    Act 963 of 1872 · P.L. 1015 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  68. To open a street or road in the borough of Brookville and township of Rose, Jefferson county.

    Act 964 of 1872 · P.L. 1016 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  69. To repeal the third section of an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the city of Lock Haven," approved the twenty-eighth day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight htmdred and

    Act 965 of 1872 · P.L. 1017 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  70. Fisbmg with nets, prohibited for certain periods. Catching fish (luring spawning season, proliiMted. Penalty for violating act. Proviso. Appropriation ol penalties. Limitatioa. In default of payment, ofTenders to be committed to jail. No., 966. For the protection and preservation of fish in the Union canal dams and Summit level, in the county of Lebanon.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 1018 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  71. Supplement to an act for the improvement of certain streets in the cit3' of Erie, approved May twentieth, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and seventy-one.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 1018 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  72. To incorporate the Riverside Horse Railway Company.

    Act 968 of 1872 · P.L. 1019 · 1872 · Scanned page

  73. Relating to Hall's island, Northumberland county.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 1021 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  74. To authorize the school directors of Greenwood township, Juniata county, to collect the balance of a bounty tax 'levied Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 1022 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  75. Supplement to an act to incorporate the city of Hrie.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 1022 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  76. Appointing commissioners to lay out, locate and open a state road from Hill's Grove, in Sullivan county, to Tivoli, in Lycoming county.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 1023 · 1872 · Scanned page

  77. Entitled a supplement to an act incorporating the Allegheny;ind Butler Plank Road Company of the county of Allegheny.

    Act 973 of 1872 · P.L. 1025 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  78. To provide for the compensation of supervisors and auditors in the township of Warriors' Mark, in the county of Huntingdon.

    Act 974 of 1872 · P.L. 1025 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  79. Supplement To an act approved April eleventh, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight, entitled "An Act to authorize and require the school directors of North Sewickley township, Beaver county, to levy and collect a tax to pay balance due by said township for bounty purjjoses.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 1026 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  80. Supplement to the act to establish graded schools in Clearfield, approved April seventeenth, eighteen hundred and seventy-one.

    Act 975 of 1872 · P.L. 1026 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  81. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act incorporating the Pennsylvania Exchange Company, "approved the twenty-sixth day of May, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-one, relative to election of directors and stock.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 1027 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  82. Authorizing the borough of Milesburg, Centre connty, to borrow money.

    Act 978 of 1872 · P.L. 1028 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  83. Fixing the time for holding the annual town elections in Bloomsb.irg on the third Friday of March.

    Act 979 of 1872 · P.L. 1028 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  84. Supplement to an act to incorporate the Limestone Turnpike and Plank Road Company of Warren county, approved April ninth, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven.

    Act 980 of 1872 · P.L. 1029 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  85. To incorporate the Conemaugh Water Company.

    Act 981 of 1872 · P.L. 1030 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  86. To appoint an advisory board for the benevolent institution known as the American Printing House for the Blind.

    Act 982 of 1872 · P.L. 1033 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  87. To incorporate the Pennsylvania Spring Car Seat Company.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 1034 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  88. Relative to the collection of taxes iu Union county.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 1034 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  89. Extending the provisions of an act, entitled "An Act relating to the collection of school tax in the school districts of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania," approved April twenty -first, Anuo Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixiy-niue, to the counties of York and Adams.

    Act 985 of 1872 · P.L. 1036 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  90. To incorporate the Neptune Club of the city of Philadelphia.

    Act 986 of 1872 · P.L. 1036 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  91. Supplement to the act to incorporate the Petroleum Bank, approved the twentieth day of November, Anno Domini one thousand eigtit liundred and seventy-one.

    Act 987 of 1872 · P.L. 1037 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  92. To incorporate the Odd Fellows' Mutual Relief Association.

    Act 988 of 1872 · P.L. 1038 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  93. To authorize the councils of the city of Reading to widen Reed street, between Washington and Walnut streets, in said city.

    Act 989 of 1872 · P.L. 1039 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  94. Relating to the roads of Biriningham township, Chester coanty. SapervlBors, To divide roads into sections, and sell repairs. Security from purchasers. Ditches, and rounding of roads. Liability of supervisors for repairs. Failure of contractors to repair sections. New roads.

    Act 990 of 1872 · P.L. 1040 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  95. To extend the time of certain persons, collectors of school and militia taxes, in the borough of Port Carbon and the independent school district of Blythe township, Schuylkill county, to make returns.

    Act 991 of 1872 · P.L. 1041 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  96. Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to enable the school directors of the borough of Lehighton, Carbon county, to borrow money for the erection of school buildings," authorizing said school directors to borrow additional money.

    Act of 1872 · P.L. 1044 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  97. To authorize the school directors of the Smethport school district in M'Kean county, to levy additional tax for school purposes.

    Act 994 of 1872 · P.L. 1044 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  98. To provide for tlie payment of certain bounty claims in the county of Crawford.

    Act 995 of 1872 · P.L. 1045 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  99. To declare John M'Fadden the adopted son and heir-at-law of Elizabeth Holmes, of the borough of New Cumberland, Cumberland county, and to change the name of the said John M'Fadden to that of John Holmes.

    Act 996 of 1872 · P.L. 1046 · April 9, 1872 · Scanned page

  100. For the relief of Eliza Birch, widow of Thomas Birch, a soldier of the war of one thousand eight hundred and twelve.

    Act 997 of 1872 · P.L. 1046 · April 9, 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.