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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

3,241 laws of the 1840s

Constitution of 1838

  1. Relative to claim of Charles E. Young

    Act 186 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  2. Authorizing the trustee of Agnes Wallace to sell and convey certain real estate

    Act 187 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  3. Act to provide for the incorporation of boroughs - amend - as respects the borough of Germantown, in the county of Philadelphia

    Act 188 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  4. Authorizing Matthias and Abraham Roland, remaining administrators of Matthias Roland, deceased, to sell certain real estate in Cambria county

    Act 189 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  5. To facilitate the disposal of the real estate of Isaac W. Norris, deceased

    Act 190 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  6. Erecting the village of Orrstown, in the county of Franklin, into a borough

    Act 191 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  7. Act to incorporate the Little Schuylkill navigation, railroad and coal company - amend - time extended; tolls

    Act 192 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  8. To exempt from taxation certain school property of the Society of Friends

    Act 193 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  9. Act to incorporate the Preston Retreat, and relative to the sale of lands of St. John's church, in Norristown, Montgomery county, and for other purposes - amend - Pittsburg and Allegheny bridge company authorized to increase capital

    Act 194 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  10. To authorize the laying out of the state road from a point on the Greensburg and Freeport road, in Westmoreland county, to the farm of David Kuhns, in Armstrong county, and in relation to a state road in Chester county, and the collection of certain taxes

    Act 195 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  11. Charter of the borough of York, and borough of New Castle and Waynesboro' - amend - paving footways in Centre square; width of footways and gutters; extension of porches and cellar doors; Waynesboro' to provide a lock-up house

    Act 196 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  12. Relating to the tax on dogs in certain townships in the county of Chester

    Act 197 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  13. Act supplementary to the acts relating to hawkers and pedlers, and regulating auctions in the county of Schuylkill - amend - extended to the counties of Lebanon, Elk, Cumberland, Perry, Carbon, Berks and Fayette

    Act 198 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  14. To erect part of Norwegian township, in Schuylkill county, into a new township, to be called East Norwegian township, and for other purposes

    Act 199 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  15. Relating to supervisors in the township of Carrol, in Washington county

    Act 200 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  16. Relating to certain streets in the county of Philadelphia

    Act 201 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  17. To diminish the number of justices of the peace and supervisors in the township of South Coventry, Chester county

    Act 202 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  18. Act relative to the organization of courts of justice - amend - time for holding courts in Cumberland, Perry and Juniata changed

    Act 203 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  19. Authorizing the Spring Garden association to sell and convey certain real estate, and the commissioners of Kensington to pave streets and highways

    Act 204 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  20. To lay out a state road from West Chester to Phoenixville, in Chester county

    Act 205 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  21. To authorize the school directors of the borough of Norristown, Montgomery county, to purchase ground and erect buildings on the same, and for other purposes

    Act 206 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  22. To appoint George S. Hays trustee to Sarah Payne

    Act 207 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  23. Relating to the Laurel Hill cemetery of Philadelphia

    Act 208 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  24. To authorize the erection of a lock-up house in the borough of Birmingham, and to collect certain taxes in said borough

    Act 209 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  25. To enable the executer of Marion Pride, deceased, to sell and convey certain real estate

    Act 210 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  26. Authorizing James Carothers, guardian of Mary Elizabeth Agnew, to sell and convey certain real estate

    Act 211 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  27. Act authorizing the governor to incorporate the Warren and Pine Grove railroad company - amend - time extended

    Act 212 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  28. Relative to courts in Dauphin county

    Act 213 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  29. Relative to roads and bridges in Lower Mount Bethel township, in the county of Northampton

    Act 214 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  30. Acts in relation to the publication of sheriffs' sales - repeal

    Act 215 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  31. Relative to the Dingman's Choice turnpike road company, in the county of Pike

    Act 216 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  32. Act to incorporate the Mine Hill and Schuylkill Haven railroad company - amend - place locomotives on the road on certain conditions; toll

    Act 217 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  33. To perfect the title to certain real estate in Adams county, heretofore conveyed by Alexander Mack, to certain of his creditors

    Act 218 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  34. Relating to the Lafayette cemetery society of Philadelphia

    Act 219 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  35. For the settlement of the estate of Samuel Cochran, deceased

    Act 220 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  36. In relation to the sales of unseated lands in the several counties of this commonwealth

    Act 221 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  37. Acts relating to recording of deeds - amend - receipts for taxes on unseated lands; duty of officers; joint tenants of unseated lands sold for taxes may recover their interests

    Act 222 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  38. To authorize the Mount Carbon and Port Carbon railroad company to increase their capital stock

    Act 223 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  39. To annul the marriage contract of Harriet M. Shinkle and John W. Shinkle

    Act 224 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  40. To annul the marriage contract of Harriet M. Shinkle and John W. Shinkle

    Act 225 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  41. To authorize the trustees of the Loller academy, in Montgomery county, to sell and convey certain real estate belonging to the said academy, and to invest the proceeds in landed security for the use of said academy

    Act 226 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  42. Authorizing the auditor general to settle the accounts of S.E. Hall, acting brigade inspector of the second brigade, fifteenth division, Pennsylvania militia

    Act 227 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  43. Relative to the estate of Martin Walborn, late of Lebanon county, deceased, and authorizing Henry Rohrer to pay over certain trust funds

    Act 228 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  44. To authorize a state road from the road which leads from Mount Pleasant to the Washington and Pittsburg turnpike road, at a point at or near Alexander May's saw mill, in Washington county, to intersect a road leading to Pittsburg, at G.Y. Coulter's mill,

    Act 229 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  45. Act authorizing the incorporating the Easton water company - amend - increase capital stock; borrow money

    Act 230 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  46. Relative to the formation of a new school district out of certain townships in Washington county

    Act 231 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  47. Authorizing the governor to incorporate the Conestoga and Schuylkill turnpike road company

    Act 232 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  48. To authorize Andrew Johnston to collect certain outstanding taxes in the township of Henderson, in the county of Huntingdon, and to grant certain powers to Alexander Vantyle, of Wyoming county

    Act 233 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  49. Relative to the estate of the "Le Raysville Phalanx," in Pike township, Bradford county

    Act 234 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  50. In relation to elections in Perry county

    Act 235 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  51. Act providing for the examination and settlement of claims for damage done by the construction of the Conneaut line of the Erie extension of the Pennsylvania canal - amend - canal commissioners to examine claims

    Act 236 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  52. To change the time of holding the township elections in the county of Clarion

    Act 237 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  53. Authorizing Robert G. White, of Wellsboro', to convey certain real estate

    Act 238 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  54. Charter of the German society, contributing for the relief of distressed Germans in the state of Pennsylvania - amend - limits of residence of officers extended

    Act 239 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  55. Authorizing the canal commissioners to examine the claim of William Magaw, of Crawford county

    Act 240 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  56. Relating to the borough of Wilkesbarre

    Act 241 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  57. Act to incorporate the borough of Elizabethtown, in the county of Lancaster - amend - boundaries; election of borough officers; qualification of voters; duties of council and supervisors; jurisdiction of justices of the peace

    Act 242 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  58. Act for erecting part of Bedford county into a separate county - amend - old division line confirmed

    Act 243 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  59. Act for erecting part of Bedford county into a separate county - amend - old division line confirmed

    Act 244 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  60. To authorize the opening of a public alley in the borough of Huntingdon

    Act 245 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  61. To authorize the guardian of Rebecca Francis, minor child of Willing Francis, deceased, to sell and convey certain real estate

    Act 246 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  62. Act appointing commissioners to view and lay out certain state roads - amend - commissioners appointed; lay out a state road in York county

    Act 247 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  63. To authorize the trustees of the Presbyterian congregation of Cross Roads, in Hanover township, Washington county, to sell and convey certain real estate

    Act 248 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  64. To authorize the partition of certain real estate of Isaac Starr and others

    Act 249 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  65. To authorize and empower Erasmus D. Wolf, surviving executor of Rebecca M'Glensey, deceased, to execute and deliver a deed for a tract of land, in Point township, Northumberland county

    Act 250 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  66. Relative to the trust estate of Fidelia R. Hasluck, late Fidelia R. Van Dyke

    Act 251 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  67. Relative to the estate of Kenneth Forsyth

    Act 252 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  68. Act authorizing the citizens of certain counties to decide by ballot, whether the sale of vinous and spirituous liquors shall be continued in said counties - amend - extended to Venango county

    Act 253 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  69. Act incorporating the town of Laurenceville into a borough - amend - boundaries of borough altered

    Act 254 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  70. Authorizing Samuel Crouse, administrator de bonis non with the will annexed of Henry Binkley, deceased, to sell and convey certain real estate

    Act 255 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  71. To enable William Smith, trustee, to execute a conveyance to Margaret Oliver, of her trust estate

    Act 256 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  72. For the better regulation of the common school system, so far as relates to Ephrata township school district, in the county of Lancaster

    Act 257 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  73. Relative to the orphans' court

    Act 258 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  74. Authorizing the trustees under the will of William Binder, deceased, to sell and convey certain real estate

    Act 259 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  75. To extend the time for commencing the Liggitt's Gap railroad

    Act 260 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  76. Relative to the church of Saint Mary and to the Saint Joseph's orphan asylum

    Act 261 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  77. To authorize the state treasurer to allow Joseph Plankinton, late treasurer of the county of Philadelphia, certain credit in his account with the commonwealth

    Act 262 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  78. For the sale of unseated lots in the borough of Bridgewater, Beaver county

    Act 263 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  79. Act to reduce the expenses of Northampton county - amend - compensation of county commissioners

    Act 264 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  80. To change the name of John M'Gloughlin to John M'Gloughlin Swartz

    Act 265 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  81. Relating to the estate of Thomas Hale, late of the county of Bucks, deceased

    Act 266 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  82. For the erection of a house for the employment and support of the poor of the county of Blair

    Act 267 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  83. For the relief of Elizabeth E. Weaver

    Act 268 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  84. To authorize the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the borough of Milesburg, in the county of Centre, to sell certain real estate

    Act 269 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  85. To confirm the title of Matthias Benzinger and others, to certain real estate

    Act 270 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  86. Act relative to the real estate of Joseph Martin, late of Lebanon county, deceased - amend - claim of commissioners released

    Act 271 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  87. Concerning the removal of the seat of justice of the county of Schuylkill, from Orwigsburg to the borough of Pottsville

    Act 272 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  88. Relating to certain corporations

    Act 273 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  89. Authorizing the trustees of school house of Springville, Lancaster county, to sell a certain alley in the village of Springville, in said county

    Act 274 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  90. To change the corporate powers and the name of the Southern insurance and trust company of Philadelphia, to the Tradesmen's Bank of Philadelphia

    Act 275 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  91. In reference to running of locomotive engines and cars on connecting railroads

    Act 276 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  92. Act relative to universities, colleges and academies, in the city and county of Philadelphia - amend - absence of trustee not to forfeit his right; American Philosophical society of Philadelphia may lease their building

    Act 277 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  93. For the relief of James M'Clure and James Batten

    Act 278 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  94. Relative to tax collectors in Montgomery county; to registered taxes within the county of Philadelphia; the collection of mercantile taxes, and Wyalusing election district, Bradford county

    Act 279 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  95. Act to incorporate the city of Pittsburg - amend - election of select council; duty of assessor; boundaries of wards

    Act 280 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  96. For the alteration in the charter of the First Presbyterian church of Manayunk

    Act 281 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  97. Act incorporating the Honesdale Bank - amend - eligibility of bank directors

    Act 282 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  98. Providing for the erection of a bridge over Darby creek, near the mouth of Bow creek, in Delaware county

    Act 283 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  99. To authorize the construction of private railways across the Pittsburgh and Kittanning state road, in the county of Allegheny

    Act 284 of 1847 · 1847 · Original text

  100. Relative to the estate of John M'Connell, deceased

    Act 285 of 1847 · 1847 · 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.