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The 1776 Philadelphia 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

2,121 laws of the 1830s

Constitution of 1790

  1. To incorporate the Washington Insurance company of Philadelphia, and for other purposes

    Act 53 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  2. To confer on Sarah Troup, formerly Sarah Hartley, Matilda Hartley, John Hartley, Margaret Hartley, William Hartley, Harrison Hartley, Oliver Hartley and Rufus Hartley, and John Adam Gebhart, the rights and benefits of children born in lawful wedlock - ena

    Act 54 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  3. To authorize the administrators of the estate of William Beazel, late of the county of Westmoreland, deceased, to make deeds for certain real estate, and for other purposes

    Act 55 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  4. Incorporating the Offerman Railroad and Mining company

    Act 56 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  5. Act to consolidate and amend the several acts relative to a General System of Education by Common Schools - amend - increase of annual appropriation; furnish list of personal property; mode of vacating seats; schools maintained by religious societies; pow

    Act 57 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  6. To incorporate the Hebrew Society for the visitation of the sick and mutual assistance, and for other purposes

    Act 58 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  7. Empowering the Burgess and Town Council of the borough of Erie, in the county of Erie, to borrow money, and to supply the said borough with water, and for other purposes

    Act 59 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  8. To establish an Academy at Brookville, in the county of Jefferson, and for other purposes

    Act 60 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  9. Act relating to Orphans' Courts - amend - trustees empowered to make deeds for lands

    Act 61 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  10. To incorporate the Bradford County Mutual Insurance company, and for other purposes

    Act 62 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  11. For the relief of Thomas Wilt and others, soldiers and widows of soldiers of the Revolutionary and Indian wars

    Act 63 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  12. For the divorce of Elijah M. Stine from Amanda Stine, and David Shulze from Elizabeth Shulze

    Act 64 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  13. Act authorizing the Governor to incorporate the Meadville and Titusville Turnpike Road company - amend - time of meeting extended; additional commissioners; compensation of treasury and secretary; powers and privileges continued for 5 years; extend branch

    Act 65 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  14. To incorporate the Arbon Coal company of Tioga county

    Act 66 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  15. To incorporate the Parryville Bridge company, and for other purposes

    Act 67 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  16. To authorize the Auditor General to institute suit for the collection of any balance which may be found due from Lawrence L. Minor, late Clerk of the Senate, and for other purposes

    Act 68 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  17. To authorize the Auditor General to institute suit for the collection of any balance which may be found due from Lawrence L. Minor, late Clerk of the Senate, and for other purposes

    Act 68 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  18. To incorporate the Washington Female Seminary, in the borough of Washington, in the county of Washington, and for other purposes

    Act 69 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  19. To incorporate the Sugar Loaf Coal company

    Act 70 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  20. To incorporate the Plymouth Coal company

    Act 71 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  21. To incorporate the Wyoming Coal company

    Act 72 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  22. To incorporate the Washington Coal company, and for other purposes

    Act 73 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  23. To provide for the Repairs, and to continue the Improvements of the State, and for other purposes

    Act 74 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  24. Relating to the commencement of actions, to appeals from county auditors, and for other purposes

    Act 75 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  25. For the relief of William Hill and others, Soldiers and Widows of Soldiers of the Revolutionary and Indian wars

    Act 76 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  26. Act to incorporate the Middleport and Pine Creek Railroad Company - amend - extend railroad; capital stock; protect railroads from willful or malicious injury; penalties

    Act 77 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  27. For the relief of the West Chester Railroad company, and for other purposes

    Act 78 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  28. To encourage the destruction of Foxes and Wild Cats, in the counties of Lebanon, Luzerne, Wayne, Pike, Monroe, Susquehanna and Tioga

    Act 79 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  29. Act to incorporate the town of West Chester, in the county of Chester into a borough - amend - water power; borrow money; erect and maintain works; fix hydrants and price for the use of water; penalty for corrupting the water

    Act 80 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  30. Authorizing the laying out of a State road from the borough of Greensburg, in Westmoreland county to intersect with the Greensburg and Pittsburg Turnpike road, at or near the house of Henry Chalfant, on Turtle Creek, in Allegheny county

    Act 81 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  31. For the relief of John Vanzant, and other soldiers and widows of soldiers of the Revolutionary and Indian Wars

    Act 82 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  32. To annul the marriage contract of Abraham Garner and Elizabeth his wife, Ellis Walton and Sophia his wife, Charles D. Eichkoff and Rosanna his wife

    Act 83 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  33. To incorporate the Clearfield and Curvensville Turnpike Road company

    Act 84 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  34. Authorizing and requiring the Canal Commissioners to construct a schute in the Queen's Run Dam

    Act 85 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  35. To incorporate the Lancaster City and County Fire Insurance company

    Act 86 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  36. Act to incorporate the Dauphin and Susquehanna Coal company - amend - charter extended; increase capital stock; construct a railroad

    Act 87 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  37. To incorporate the Tamanend Mining company

    Act 88 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  38. To authorize the committee of the estate of Michael Fox, a lunatic, to sell and convey certain real estate, and for other purposes

    Act 89 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  39. To incorporate the Luthersburg and Punxatawny Turnpike Road company

    Act 90 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  40. Resolution relative to the claim of Brown and Sawyers - amend - board of directors; names changed; rates of insurance; lien of the company; pave gutters and streets; right to the estate vested in the heirs

    Act 91 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  41. Act to erect Shirleysburg in the county of Huntingdon, New Hope in the county of Bucks, and Hamburg in the county of Berks, into boroughs, and for other purposes - amend - annexation; annual election; inspectors and assessors; New Brighton made into a bor

    Act 92 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  42. To declare Wooden Bridge creek, in Bedford county, a public highway, and for other purposes

    Act 93 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  43. Regulating Election Districts

    Act 94 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  44. To authorize the president judge of the District Court of Allegheny county, to hold special courts in Fayette county, in certain cases, and for other purposes

    Act 95 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  45. Granting certain powers to the Authorities of the cities of Lancaster and Philadelphia, and for other purposes

    Act 96 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  46. Relative to the laying out of a certain State Road from Curvinsville, Clearfield county, through the towns of Indiana and Saltsburg, in Indiana county, and through Westmoreland county to East Liberty, in Allegheny county, and for laying out certain other

    Act 97 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  47. Authorizing the Governor to incorporate the Bristol Steam Towboat and Transportation company, and for other purposes

    Act 98 of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  48. Resolution for the relief of Dorothea Benedict

    Resolution of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  49. Resolution making an appropriation to supply the deficiency in the contingent fund of the Land office and Surveyor General's office

    Resolution of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  50. Resolution relative to the location of the Harmony bridge, in Susquehanna county

    Resolution of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  51. Resolution for the relief of Joseph Serena

    Resolution of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  52. Resolution relating to a National Road, from the Cumberland Road to the Harbor of Erie

    Resolution of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  53. Resolution authorizing and requiring the Governor to present a sword to General Hugh Brady, for his distinguished services during the late war with Great Britain

    Resolution of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  54. Resolution for the postponement of the Sub-Treasury Bill, expressing confidence in Martin Van Buren and the Democratic Senators and Representatives in Congress, and in favor of a separation of the banks from the

    Resolution of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  55. Resolution relating to the claims of Fenlon, Darlings and company, and others

    Resolution of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  56. Resolution relative to the establishment of a National Armory at the Falls of the Big Beaver river or Pittsburg

    Resolution of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  57. Resolution relative to the payment of certain scrip issued by the late superintendent upon the Columbia Railway

    Resolution of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  58. Resolution for the extension of the Shenango Bridge, at New Castle

    Resolution of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  59. Resolution relative to the erection of a Dry Dock, at the Navy Yard, in Philadelphia county

    Resolution of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  60. Resolution relative to the gratuity and annuity of James Pratt, a soldier

    Resolution of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  61. Resolution relative to the canal damages and claims of John Snyder and William Stall, and others

    Resolution of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  62. Resolution relative to the Upper Basin at Hollidaysburg

    Resolution of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  63. Resolution Relative to certain undrawn balances in the School Fund, and for other purposes

    Resolution of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  64. Resolution granting a premium to Royal Freeman, for a device for propelling boats

    Resolution of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  65. Resolution relative to the State Library, and for other purposes

    Resolution of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  66. Resolution relative to the claim of the old Wyoming sufferers

    Resolution of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  67. Resolution supplement to an act declaring the holding of certain offices or appointments incompatible - repeal - section 3; all other laws making members of the legislature incompetent to receive appointments to

    Resolution of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  68. Resolution relative to changing the lots attached to certain lock houses on the Juniata division of the Pennsylvania canal, and relative to other purposes

    Resolution of 1838 · 1838 · Original text

  69. Resolution to suspend the work upon the Gettysburg Rail Road

    Act Res 8 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  70. Charter of the Miners' Bank of Pottsville in the county of Schuylkill - amend - charter extended

    Act 1 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  71. To provide for the erection of a House for the Employment and Support of the Poor in the county of Westmoreland

    Act 2 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  72. Authorizing a Loan

    Act 3 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  73. Act to incorporate the Little Schuylkill and Susquehanna Railroad Company - amend - borrow money

    Act 4 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  74. Relating to the Prison of the County of Chester

    Act 5 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  75. To incorporate the Hanover Coal Company

    Act 6 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  76. Act regulating election districts - repeal - as annexing part of Franklin county to Adams county

    Act 7 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  77. Act relative to the laying out of a certain state road from Curwensville, Clearfield county, through the towns of Indiana and Saltsburg, in Indiana county, and through Westmoreland county to East Liberty, in Allegheny county, and for laying out certain ot

    Act 8 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  78. Making appropriations to the canals and rail roads of the commonwealth, and for other purposes

    Act 9 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  79. For the relief of John Danfield and others, soldiers and widows of soldiers of the revolutionary and Indian wars

    Act 10 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  80. To annul the marriage contract of William L. Denison, and Jane M. Denison

    Act 11 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  81. Act to authorize the Governor to incorporate the Susquehanna Canal Company - amend - state may purchase at end of 25 years; banking by company prohibited; dam at Conestoga

    Act 12 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  82. Act to incorporate the Washington Insurance Company, of Philadelphia - amend - directors; power and authority; capitol stock increased; duration of charter; tax imposed

    Act 13 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  83. To incorporate the Royer's Ford Bridge company over the river Schuylkill, at said ford

    Act 14 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  84. Act incorporating the Orwigsburg Female Seminary, in the county of Schuylkill - amend - number and election of trustees

    Act 15 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  85. Authorizing the commissioners of Berks county to sell certain real estate in said county

    Act 16 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  86. Providing for the holding of township elections in the township of Branch, in the county of Schuylkill

    Act 17 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  87. Act to incorporate the Lycoming Coal Company - amend - additional privileges

    Act 18 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  88. To incorporate the Stroudsburgh Female Seminary, in the borough of Stroudsburgh, in the county of Monroe

    Act 19 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  89. Act to incorporate the Wyoming Coal Company - amend - power to hold lands extended; increase capital stock; construct roadways

    Act 20 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  90. For the election of Inspectors and Judges of Elections in the township of Moyamensing, in the county of Philadelphia, and providing for the manner of electing commissioners in the district of Southwark, in the said county, and for other purposes - enactme

    Act 21 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  91. Authorizing the citizens of Ohio township, in the county of Beaver, to elect an additional supervisor, in said township

    Act 22 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  92. To remove certain suits from the Common Pleas of Montgomery county, to the Supreme Court, and for other purposes

    Act 23 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  93. Authorizing the erection of a building for the use of the Indiana Academy, on part of Vine street, in the borough of Indiana

    Act 24 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  94. Act to incorporate the Hazelton Coal Company - amend - privileges and powers; borrow money; increase stock

    Act 25 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  95. To confirm Amos Atkinson and Thomas Branson, in the title of certain real estate, in the city of Philadelphia

    Act 26 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  96. For the organization of a new county from parts of Venango and Armstrong, to be called "Clarion"

    Act 27 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  97. For the relief of James Jordan and others, soldiers and widows of soldiers, of the Revolutionary and Indian wars

    Act 28 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  98. Act incorporating the Lyken's Valley Rail Road Company, in Dauphin County - amend - increase capital stock; borrow money

    Act 29 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  99. For the relief of William Lyon and others, soldiers and widows of soldiers of the Revolutionary and Indian wars

    Act 30 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  100. To extend the limits of the borough of Towanda, and for other purposes

    Act 31 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

By decade

Constitution of 19681968–today

Constitution of 18741874–1967

Constitution of 18381838–1873

Constitution of 17901790–1837

Constitution of 17761776–1789

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.