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.
3,241 laws of the 1840s
Constitution of 1838
To authorize a Loan
Act 1 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To designate the time of electing directors on the part of the Commonwealth, in the Bank of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia bank, and the Columbia bridge company
Act 2 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Act to provide for the erection of a House for the employment and support of the poor, in the county of Erie - amend - citizens to vote on a poor house; election of directors
Act 3 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To incorporate a Female Academy, in McSherrystown, Pennsylvania
Act 4 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Act to incorporate the Southwark Fire Insurance company - amend - stockholders to determine location
Act 5 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Act relative to the building of certain bridges over the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers - amend - annual election; dividends; provisions extended to Allegheny bridge company
Act 6 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Authorizing Elie A.F. Vallette, to change his name to Elie Augustus F. Lavallette, and family name to Lavallette, instead of Vallette
Act 7 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Act to provide for the erection of a house for the employment and support of the poor, in the county of Westmoreland - amend - election; commissioners to receive jurors fees
Act 8 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To incorporate an Academy, in Byberry township, Philadelphia county
Act 9 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Dividing the Incorporated township of Moyamensing, in the county of Philadelphia; the borough of Erie, and the borough of Pottsville, into wards, and for other purposes
Act 10 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Act relating to the Elections of this Commonwealth - amend - time of electing township officers in Tioga county
Act 11 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To incorporate the Laurel Fire Company of the borough of York
Act 12 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To incorporate "The Union Fire Company," in Carlisle
Act 13 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
For the relief of David White, and others, soldiers and widows of soldiers of the Revolutionary and Indian wars
Act 14 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Authorizing the commissioners of the county of York, to borrow a sum of money
Act 15 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To incorporate "The Cumberland Fire Company," in Carlisle
Act 16 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To incorporate the town of Horacetown, in Tioga county, into a borough, to be called the borough of Horacetown, and for other purposes
Act 17 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To enable the taxable inhabitants of Beaver township, Union county, to elect an additional supervisor
Act 18 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To incorporate the Trenton City Bridge Company
Act 19 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To establish a court for the trial of crimes and misdemeanors committed in the city and county of Philadelphia
Act 20 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To divide the township of Germantown, into two distinct wards, and for other purposes
Act 21 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To authorize the transfer of certificates of State stock
Act 22 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Authorizing the Faculty of Pennsylvania College to confer the degree of Doctor of Medicine
Act 23 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Authorizing the citizens of North Whitehall, in the county of Lehigh, to elect two additional supervisors in said township, and for other purposes
Act 24 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Relative to the election of a constable and officers for the borough of Youngstown, in Westmoreland county, and for other purposes
Act 25 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Relative to the election of Borough and Township officers, and for other purposes
Act 26 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Act to erect the town of Chester and its vicinity, in the county of Delaware, into a borough, and for other purposes - amend - town council of borough increased; court of appeal established; streets widened; damages ascertained; power of council to lay tr
Act 27 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Erecting the borough of West Greenville and the township of West Salem into separate election districts, and for other purposes
Act 28 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Act to classify the Associate Judges of the State - amend - terms of different classes of judges
Act 29 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Act to incorporate the Bible society of Philadelphia - amend - name changed to Pennsylvania Bible Society; managers authorized to choose a president and vice presidents
Act 30 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Authorizing the building of a Lock-up House, in Shippensburg in the county of Cumberland
Act 31 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Act authorizing the Governor to incorporate the Reading Water Company - amend - duty and power of managers; may use steam or water power
Act 32 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Act to authorize and empower the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in Perrysville, Mifflin county, to convey certain real estate, and for other purposes - amend - power of executor
Act 33 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Authorizing the citizens of Newberry township, York county, to elect Township Settlers
Act 34 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To incorporate the Gibson Academy at Summitville, in the township of Gibson, Susquehanna county
Act 35 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To incorporate the town of Newport, in the county of Perry, into a Borough
Act 36 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To incorporate the First Baptist Church of Newtown township, in the county of Delaware
Act 37 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To incorporate the Crispin Cemetery, in the county of Philadelphia
Act 38 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To establish the Juliet Academy and School for Teachers, in the county of Erie
Act 39 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To provide for the erection of a House for the employment and support of the Poor, in the county of Greene
Act 40 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To incorporate the Chester Library company, of Delaware county
Act 41 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Act to incorporate the Columbia Academy, in the county of Lancaster, and for other purposes - amend - sale by commissioners confirmed
Act 42 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To incorporate the English Evangelical Lutheran Church, in the city of Pittsburg
Act 43 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Act relating to Inspections - amend - Governor to appoint inspector at Allentown
Act 44 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To re-establish the District Court for the city and county of Lancaster
Act 45 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Act authorizing the laying out of a state road leading from a point on the turnpike from York Haven, and to intersect the turnpike leading from York to Wrightsville, in York county, and for other purposes - repeal
Act 46 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To incorporate the Pennsylvania Hose Company
Act 47 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To authorize the opening and extending of Allen street, in the borough of Lawrenceville, and county of Allegheny
Act 48 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Act granting certain powers to the authorities of the city of Lancaster and Philadelphia, and for other purposes - amend - punishment for selling by false weights; duties of regulator of weights and measures; fees
Act 49 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Act to graduate lands on which money is due and unpaid to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - amend - patenting in-lots and out-lots in Erie, Waterford, Beaver, Franklin and Warren extended
Act 50 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To empower the Governor to return to the President, Managers, and Company of the Bethany and Dingman's Choice turnpike road, certain certificates of stock received from said company, and to authorize suits to be brought for the recovery of the money
Act 51 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To empower the Governor to return to the President, Managers, and Company of the Bethany and Dingman's Choice turnpike road, certain certificates of stock received from said company, and to authorize suits to be brought for the recovery of the money
Act 51 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To improve the navigation of the Lehigh river, in the counties of Monroe and Luzerne
Act 53 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To confirm the sale of certain real estate in York county, and to vest certain authorities in John D. Thomas, trustee of Sophia II. E. Ash
Act 54 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To authorize the Governor to incorporate a company, to make a turnpike road from the borough of Honesdale, in Wayne county, to intersect the Milford and Owego turnpike road in said county, at or near the house of William R. M'Laury, and for other
Act 55 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Authorizing the Canal Commissioners to remove a certain building, near the Columbia Rail Road, to prevent its destruction by fire from locomotive engines
Act 56 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Authorizing Jacob Reinhart to erect a Wing Dam in the Susquehanna river
Act 57 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To extend the boundaries of the borough of Martinsburg, in Bedford county
Act 58 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
For the better ascertaining and establishing the boundary line between the counties of Jefferson, Warren, M'Kean and Clearfield, and for other purposes
Act 59 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To authorize David Walton and Benjamin Swayne, assignees of Caleb Swayne, to convey certain real estate
Act 60 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To incorporate the Good Intent Hose company of Philadelphia
Act 61 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To incorporate the society known by the name of the Baptist Church of Phoenixville, in Chester county, Pennsylvania
Act 62 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To incorporate the Lafayette Hose Company of Philadelphia
Act 63 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Act relative to the organization of the Courts of Justice - amend - duties of prothonotaries and president judges
Act 64 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To incorporate the Edgeworth Ladies Seminary, in the township of Ohio in the county of Allegheny
Act 65 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To incorporate an academy in West Alexander, in the county of Washington
Act 66 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Act to authorize the Governor to incorporate the Franklin and Emlenton Turnpike road company, and for other purposes - amend - duties of governor when 50 shares shall be subscribed
Act 67 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To incorporate the Presbyterian Church of Bedford
Act 68 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Incorporating the First Methodist Episcopal Church, in the city of Lancaster
Act 69 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Re-vesting certain ground heretofore granted for the use of the Western Penitentiary, in its original contributors, and for other purposes
Act 70 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To confer on Samuel Keiper, the rights and benefits of a child born in lawful wedlock
Act 71 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To incorporate the Presbyterian Congregation of Cross Roads, in the township of Pine, in the county of Allegheny
Act 72 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To attach an island called "Todd's Island, " to the county of Armstrong, to be included in the borough of Freeport
Act 73 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To incorporate the Dimocksville Library Company, of Susquehanna county
Act 74 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Act to incorporate the town of Brownsville, in the county of Fayette - amend - increase the powers of the chief burgess; pavements; inhabitant or freeholder declared a competent witness
Act 75 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To extend the time for completing the Philadelphia and Reading rail road
Act 76 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To incorporate the Frankfort Academy, in the county of Beaver
Act 77 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To incorporate the Kensington Institute for Literary and Scientific purposes, of Philadelphia county
Act 78 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To encourage more effectually the destruction of Wolves and Panthers, in the counties of Luzerne, Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike, Jefferson, M'Kean, Tioga, Potter, Bradford and Monroe, and for other purposes
Act 79 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To incorporate the Citizens' Mutual Insurance Company, of Pennsylvania
Act 80 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To incorporate the Lycoming county Mutual Insurance Company
Act 81 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To incorporate the Eagle Fire Company, of the Borough of Erie
Act 82 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Changing the names of Edward Smith, and Isaac Handy Smith, to Edward Smith Handy, and Isaac Smith Handy
Act 83 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Act to vest in Amelia Matthews, a certain escheated estate, and for the sale and conveyance of certain real estate - amend - surplus revenue arising from leases appropriated to payment of debts
Act 84 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Act regulating election districts, and for other purposes - amend - Columbia county commissioners to fill vacancy in treasurers office
Act 85 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
For the relief of John Brown and others, soldiers, and widows of soldiers of the Revolutionary and Indian Wars
Act 86 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To provide for the erection of a house, for the employment and support of the poor of the county of Lehigh
Act 87 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To enable the Philadelphia Society for the establishment and support of Charity Schools to ordain certain by-laws for the government of the said society
Act 88 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To incorporate the Pottstown Female Seminary
Act 89 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To incorporate "The Westmoreland county Lyceum and Museum of Natural History"
Act 90 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Act regulating Lateral Rail Roads - amend - extended to certain counties and owners of land, mills, quarries, and mines; persons may construct lateral rail roads
Act 91 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To incorporate the Annville Academy, in the county of Lebanon
Act 92 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To alter and amend the act incorporating the society of Equal Rights of Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Act 93 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Authorizing a review of part of the Emlinton and Centreville state road, and for other purposes
Act 94 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Act to authorize the printing and distribution of the pamphlet laws in the German language - amend - duties of county commissioners, assessors, treasurers, and secretary; printing the pamphlet laws
Act 95 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Act to authorize the governor to incorporate a company to erect a bridge over the northeast branch of the Susquehanna river, at or near the village of Athens, in the county of Bradford - amend - toll
Act 96 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To incorporate the Adams County Mutual Insurance Company
Act 97 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Appointing commissioners to lay out a state road from Emlinton, in Venango county, to Callensburg, in Armstrong county, and for other purposes
Act 98 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
Act to prevent the damages which may happen by firing woods - amend - penalties made applicable to purchasers of receivers of stolen timber
Act 99 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
To enable Samuel Murdock, Isaac Reeves, and John Black, to connect Hog Island, in the county of Delaware, with the main land
Act 100 of 1840 · 1840 · Original text
By decade
Constitution of 18741874–1967
Constitution of 17761776–1789
- 1780s 567
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.