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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 Columbia Insurance Company, of Philadelphia

    Act 132 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  2. For the relief of Samuel R. Richards, a contractor on the Kiskeminetas and Conemaugh Division of the Pennsylvania Canal

    Act 133 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  3. To incorporate the Myerstown Academy

    Act 134 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  4. To incorporate the New Castle Female Seminary, in the county of Mercer

    Act 135 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  5. To incorporate the Philadelphia and New Hope rail road company

    Act 136 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  6. To incorporate the Loyalsock Railroad company

    Act 137 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  7. For the better regulation and employment of the poor, of the township of Germantown, in the county of Philadelphia

    Act 138 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  8. Authorizing the Williamsport and Elmira Railroad Company, to borrow money to complete their road

    Act 139 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  9. Relative to the estate of George Frey, deceased

    Act 140 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  10. To incorporate the Morris Run Coal Company

    Act 141 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

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    Act 142 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  12. Act to authorize the Baltimore and Ohio Rail Road Company to construct a Rail Road through Pennsylvania, in a direction from Baltimore to the Ohio river - amend - time for completion of rail road extended; tolls; width of rail road; burden cars

    Act 143 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  13. To classify the Associate Judges of the state

    Act 144 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  14. Erecting parts of Lycoming and Centre into a new County

    Act 145 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  15. To authorize the Juniata Bridge Company to construct a rail-road from the Pennsylvania canal, at Duncan's Island, in Dauphin county, to Sherman's creek, in Perry county

    Act 146 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  16. Act to enable the governor of this commonwealth to incorporate a company for opening a canal and lock navigation between the rivers Delaware and Schuylkill, through the southern section of Philadelphia county - amend - extending time for completing canal;

    Act 147 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  17. To provide for the election of Mayor, of the city of Philadelphia, by the qualified electors thereof, to confer jurisdiction on the Mayor and Recorder of said city, in actions for penalties; to appoint an additional Warden for the district of Kensington;

    Act 148 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  18. Providing for the election of Aldermen and Justices of the Peace

    Act 149 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  19. For the relief of William Mooreland, and other soldiers and widows of soldiers of the Revolutionary and Indian Wars

    Act 150 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  20. Act to incorporate the Susquehanna Canal Company - amend - alter dam near Columbia

    Act 151 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  21. To incorporate the Bloomsburg Rail-Road Iron Company

    Act 152 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  22. To incorporate the Juniata Fire Company, of the Borough of Lewistown, in the county of Mifflin

    Act 153 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  23. To compensate Samuel Dale, for services rendered as an Associate Judge of Lancaster county, and for other purposes

    Act 154 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  24. Act to incorporate the Washington Coal Company, and for other purposes - amend - Pennsylvania coal company authorized to hold lands; increase capital stock

    Act 155 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  25. A resolution relative to the removal of a certain indictment in Bucks county - amend - tried by president of 3rd judicial district; jury to be drawn by sheriff of Chester co.

    Act 156 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  26. Act incorporating the Columbia and Maryland Line Railroad Company - amend - time of opening books extended

    Act 157 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  27. To incorporate the "West Branch" Franklin Rail-Road Company

    Act 159 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  28. To incorporate the Howelton Coal Company, and for other purposes

    Act 160 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  29. Authorizing the laying out of certain state roads, and for other purposes

    Act 161 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  30. To provide for the erection of a house for the employment and support of the poor, in the county of Erie

    Act 162 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  31. Giving the assent of this Commonwealth to the act of the Legislature of New Jersey, entitled "An act to incorporate the Columbia Delaware Bridge Company"

    Act 163 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  32. To incorporate the Harrisburg Female Seminary

    Act 164 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  33. Giving the assent of this Commonwealth to the act of the Legislature of New Jersey, entitled Act to incorporate the Milford Delaware Bridge Company, of the county of Hunterdon

    Act 165 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  34. To incorporate the Wilkesbarre Female Seminary, in the County of Luzerne

    Act 166 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  35. To incorporate the Larry's Creek Rail Road and Coal Company

    Act 167 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  36. Act to authorize the Governor to incorporate a company to make a Lock Navigation on the river Monongahela - amend - authority to erect dams; size of locks; tolls; time to obtain grant

    Act 168 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  37. To authorize and empower the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in Perrysville, Mifflin county, to convey certain real estate, and for other purposes

    Act 169 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  38. To incorporate the Columbia Academy in the county of Lancaster, and for other purposes

    Act 170 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  39. To incorporate the Somerset Female Academy

    Act 171 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  40. For the relief of Lorance Christ, and others, soldiers and widows of soldiers of the Revolutionary and Indian wars

    Act 172 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  41. To incorporate the Norristown Fire Company

    Act 173 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  42. To incorporate the first Presbyterian Church of Upper Mount Bethel, in the county of Northampton

    Act 174 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  43. To incorporate the Library Company of Uniontown, in the county of Fayette

    Act 175 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  44. To incorporate the Allegheny Fire Company, of the borough of Freeport

    Act 176 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  45. To incorporate the Roehrersburg Academy, of Berks county

    Act 177 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  46. To incorporate the Monongahela City Fire Company of the borough of Monongahela

    Act 178 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  47. To incorporate an Academy in the town of Berwick, Columbia county

    Act 179 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  48. To incorporate the president and managers of the Whites Haven and Clifton turnpike road company

    Act 180 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  49. For the relief of the Smithfield Cavalry Company, the Waynesburg Dragoons and Monongahela Riflemen, and for other purposes

    Act 181 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  50. To incorporate the Stouchsburg Academy of Berks county

    Act 182 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  51. Act to authorize the Governor to incorporate a company to erect a bridge over Schuylkill river, at or near Phoenixville, Chester county - amend - commissioners; shares of stock; ratio of votes

    Act 183 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  52. Authorizing the Governor to incorporate the Bald Eagle and Clearfield Turnpike Road company

    Act 184 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  53. To incorporate the Hanover Academy, of York county

    Act 185 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  54. To incorporate the "Mannington Academy and Boarding School," in the township of Choconut, Susquehanna county

    Act 186 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  55. To incorporate the Hollidaysburg Academy

    Act 187 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  56. To incorporate the Jefferson Library and Literary Association

    Act 188 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  57. To incorporate the Holmesburg Baptist Church and Congregation, in the county of Philadelphia

    Act 189 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  58. Act to incorporate the Philadelphia Savings Institution, and for the better regulation of Savings Institutions and Loan Companies - amend - members; rate of interest; issue certificates; liability of stockholders

    Act 190 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  59. Authorizing a permanent Loan to pay temporary Loans, and for other purposes

    Act 191 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  60. Relating to the Elections of this Commonwealth

    Act 192 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  61. To provide for the election of Prothonotaries, Clerks, Recorders, and Registers

    Act 193 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  62. To incorporate the President and Managers of the Uniontown and New Alexandria Turnpike Road Company

    Act 194 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  63. To authorize the Administrators of Henry Mineum, late of Crawford county, deceased, to sell and convey certain real estate, and for other purposes

    Act 195 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  64. To incorporate the president and managers of the Clearfield and Allegheny Turnpike Road Company

    Act 196 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  65. Regulating Election Districts, and for other purposes

    Act 197 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  66. Relating to the claims of this commonwealth against the estate of John Nicholson and Peter Baynton

    Act 198 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  67. To incorporate the Huntingdon and Hollidaysburg Rail Road Company

    Act 199 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  68. Authorizing the Governor to incorporate the Hanover and Codorus Rail-Road Company

    Act 200 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  69. To incorporate the Easton Iron company, and for other purposes

    Act 201 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  70. To provide for the repairs of the several lines of canal and rail-road, and to continue the improvement of the state

    Act 202 of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  71. Reslution authorizing the State Treasurer to pay certain expenses incurred by the Secretary of the Commonwealth

    Resolution of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  72. Resolution to authorize the Canal Commissioners to inquire into and adjust the claim of Peter Stehman

    Resolution of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  73. Resolution authorizing the electors of the borough of Blairsville, In Indiana county, to hold their elections in room No. one, in the new school house, and changing the time for holding elections in the borough of

    Resolution of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  74. Resolution relative to the Warren Bridge Company

    Resolution of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  75. Resolution authorizing a survey of the Lackawanna valley and river, from the feeder dam to the Ragged Islands

    Resolution of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  76. Resolution relative to the election of Borough Officers, in Saltzburg, Indiana county

    Resolution of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  77. Resolution for the relief of John M'Carty

    Resolution of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  78. Resolution relative to the Sharon Bridge over the Big Beaver river

    Resolution of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  79. Resolution relative to the use of Anthracite Coal in Locomotive Steam Engines

    Resolution of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  80. Resolution authorizing the Auditor General to settle and adjust the account of Hugh H. Henry

    Resolution of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  81. Resolution providing for the election of State Treasurer

    Resolution of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  82. Resolution authorizing the Surveyor General to accept the survey of Jonathan Miller, in Somerset county

    Resolution of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  83. Resolution authorizing the State Treasurer to refund a certain sum of money to John Mills, of Luzerne county

    Resolution of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  84. Resolution relative to Brass Cannon belonging to this Commonwealth, and for other purposes

    Resolution of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  85. Resolution relative to the pay of Clerks in the State Treasurer's Office

    Resolution of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  86. Resolution relative to the Lancaster Female Seminary, in Lancaster county

    Resolution of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  87. Resolution for the appointment of a Commissioner to take charge of the Peninsula at the Bay of Presque Isle

    Resolution of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  88. Resolution to provide for the removal of the trail of an indictment pending in Court of Oyer and Terminer, of the county of Bucks

    Resolution of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  89. Resolution authorizing a Loan

    Resolution of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  90. Resolution relative to the election of County Treasurer, in Philadelphia county

    Resolution of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  91. Resolution relative to sundry claims for damages

    Resolution of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  92. Resolution authorizing a temporary Loan

    Resolution of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  93. Resolution providing for the pay of the clerk to the commissioners of the Internal Improvement Fund

    Resolution of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  94. Resolution relative to the preservation and repair of the Public Buildings, and the improvement of the Public Ground

    Resolution of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  95. Resolution changing the number of certain lots in Ligonier, Westmoreland county

    Resolution of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  96. Resolution for the pay, emoluments, perquisites, and expense of the Volunteer Troops of the First and Eleventh Divisions, Pennsylvania Militia, recently in the service of this commonwealth

    Resolution of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  97. Resolution authorizing the Governor to borrow money

    Resolution of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  98. Resolution authorizing the State Treasurer to refund certain money to Stephen Shores

    Resolution of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  99. Resolution relative to the claims of Philip Reitzel and others

    Resolution of 1839 · 1839 · Original text

  100. Resolution relative to the claim of Henry Hoops, and others

    Resolution 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.