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.
5,365 laws of the 1870s
Constitution of 1838
Authorizing the chief burgess and town council of the borough of Shenandoah, in the county of Schuylkill, to levy a tax for borough purposes.
Act 112 of 1870 · P.L. 128 · February 10, 1870 · Scanned page
For the relief William J. M'Knight, executor of the last will and testament of A. A. M'Knight, deceased.
Act 114 of 1870 · P.L. 129 · February 10, 1870 · Scanned page
Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Freeport and Shenango Valley Railroad and Coal Company.
Act 115 of 1870 · P.L. 130 · February 10, 1870 · Scanned page
To incorporate the Women's Branch of the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Act 116 of 1870 · P.L. 131 · February 10, 1870 · Scanned page
Relative to the assessment and collection of a bounty tax in the township of- St. Thomas, in the county of Franklin.
Act 117 of 1870 · P.L. 132 · February 10, 1870 · Scanned page
Supplement to an act, entitled " An Act to authorize the Reading Gas Company to increase its capital stock," approved February fourteenth, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three.
Act 118 of 1870 · P.L. 134 · February 10, 1870 · Scanned page
Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Delaware River and Lancaster Railroad Company," approved March twenty-fourth, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight, extending the time for the commencement of said road.
Act 119 of 1870 · P.L. 135 · February 10, 1870 · Scanned page
Relating to roads in Manchester township, Wayne county.
Act 120 of 1870 · P.L. 135 · 1870 · Scanned page
Exempting from county and municipal taxation the coupon bonds of the borough of East Birmingham, issued and to be issued in pursuance of an act, entitled "A further supplement to an act supplementary to an act erecting the village of East Birmingham into a borough,'* et cetera, approved the tvveuty -third day of March,. Anno Domini cue thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight.
Act 121 of 1870 · P.L. 136 · February 12, 1870 · Scanned page
Relating to the sale of seated lands in the county of Pike.
Act 122 of 1870 · P.L. 137 · February 12, 1870 · Scanned page
Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act giving the new wards in the city of Allegheny, in the county of Allegheny, the right of compensation from the old wards out of which they were created, for school purposes in such old wards or districts/' approved the eighteenth day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and
Act 123 of 1870 · P.L. 138 · February 12, 1870 · Scanned page
To incorporate the Philadelphia Telegraph Company.
Act 124 of 1870 · P.L. 139 · February 10, 1870 · Scanned page
Authorizing the town council of the borough of Newville to appoint viewers to assess damages and contributions sustained from the opening of streets and alleys.
Act of 1870 · P.L. 142 · February 12, 1870 · Scanned page
To extend the provisions of an act, entitled "A supplement to an act relating to the lien of mechanics and others upon buildings, so far as relates to certain counties," approved the first day of May, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, to the county of Bucks.
Act 125 of 1870 · P.L. 142 · February 12, 1870 · Scanned page
To authorize the board of school directors of Unionville, in the county of Centre, to borrow money for the purpose of erecting a new school house.
Act of 1870 · P.L. 144 · February 12, 1870 · Scanned page
To extend to Washington county the provisions of an act, entitled •'An Act to promote the improvement of real estate by exempting mortgages and other money securities from taxation, except for state purposes, in certain counties of this Commonwealth.
Act 128 of 1870 · P.L. 144 · February 12, 1870 · Scanned page
To repeal an act for the protection of farmers against the ravages of wild cats in the county of Forest.
Act 129 of 1870 · P.L. 145 · February 12, 1870 · Scanned page
To repeal an act, entitled "An Act to authorize and require the road commissioners of Bradford county to keep in repair county bridges, ' ' approved March eighteenth, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty
Act 130 of 1870 · P.L. 146 · February 12, 1870 · Scanned page
Relative to the pay of jurors in the county of Erie.
Act 131 of 1870 · P.L. 146 · February 12, 1870 · Scanned page
To repeal the special road laws relating to the township of Elk, in Chester county.
Act 132 of 1870 · P.L. 147 · February 12, 1870 · Scanned page
Relative to committing magistrates in the counties of Crawford, Carbon and Northampton.
Act 133 of 1870 · P.L. 147 · February 15, 1870 · Scanned page
To authorize the board of school directors of Manheim borough to sell certain real estate.
Act 134 of 1870 · P.L. 148 · February 15, 1870 · Scanned page
To an aet to incorporate the Wrightsville, New Holland and Conewago Railroad Company, approved the nineteenth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty -three, increasing the par value of the shares of stock.
Act 135 of 1870 · P.L. 149 · February 15, 1870 · Scanned page
To incorporate the Jersey Shore, Pine Creek and Buffalo Railway Company.
Act 136 of 1870 · P.L. 149 · February 17, 1870 · Scanned page
Supplement To an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the New York and California Vineyard Company," now called the " Land Grant Railway and Trust Company, approved February twenty-eight, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-six.
Act 137 of 1870 · P.L. 151 · February 17, 1870 · Scanned page
To incorporate the Artisans' Saving Bank.
Act 138 of 1870 · P.L. 151 · February 17, 1870 · Scanned page
To authorize August Arnrnon, a justice of the peace of East Birmingham, in Allegheny county, to have his family residence in Lower St. Clair township during the remainder of his term of office.
Act 139 of 1870 · P.L. 153 · February 17, 1870 · Scanned page
Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Middle Creek Railroad Company," approved the twenty-third day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-five.
Act 140 of 1870 · P.L. 154 · February 17, 1870 · Scanned page
Supplement To an act approved the thirteenth day of April. Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight, entitled -'An Act to incorporate the Lehigh Boom Company,'" empowering said Lehigh Boom Company to drive logs and other timber on the Lehigh river.
Act 141 of 1870 · P.L. 155 · 1870 · Scanned page
To vacate parts of Holland street and canal basin, in the harbor of Erie, in the city of Erie.
Act 142 of 1870 · P.L. 156 · February 17, 1870 · Scanned page
Supplement to an act to incorporate the Manayunk Bridge Companj^, over the Schuylkill river and canal, approved March twenty-four, one thousand eight hundrel and thirty-two, repealing section eleven of said act, and authorizing said company to reduce the par value of their stock and to issue additional stock.'
Act 143 of 1870 · P.L. 156 · February 17, 1870 · Scanned page
To authorize James Robinson to adopt John W.Robinson as his heir.
Act 144 of 1870 · P.L. 157 · February 17, 1870 · Scanned page
To repeal an act to extend the provisions of the act, entitled " An Act to prevent cattle, horses, mules, sheep and hogs from running at large in Upper and Lower Merion townships, in Montgomery count3r, and the townships of Upper and Lower Nazareth, in the county of Northampton, approved the fourth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight, to the townships of
Act 145 of 1870 · P.L. 158 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
To repeal an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Tunkhannock Law and Library Association, in Wyoming county." approved April second, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine.
Act 146 of 1870 · P.L. 159 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
To amend an act to incorporate the Lincoln Institution, passed the ninth day of May, Anno Domini oi'<^ thousand eight hundred and sixty-six.
Act 147 of 1870 · P.L. 159 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
Providing for the election of a solicitor of Lancaster county.
Act 148 of 1870 · P.L. 160 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
To incorporate the Safe Deposit Bank of Pottsville, Schuylkill county.
Act 149 of 1870 · P.L. 162 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
To authorize the Wharton street Methodist Ep'scopal church of the city of Philadelphia to remove their dead.
Act 150 of 1870 · P.L. 165 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
To authorize the appointment of six additional notaries public for the county of Allegheny.
Act 151 of 1870 · P.L. 166 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
Relative to notaries public in the county of Monroe.
Act 152 of 1870 · P.L. 166 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
Authorizing the commissioners of Chester county to provide and furnish a convenient room or rooms, as an office for the county superintendent of common schools of said county.
Act 153 of 1870 · P.L. 167 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
Extending the provisions of the act, entitled "An Act for the better regulation of public halls and places of amusement in the cities of Philadelphia, Pittsburg and Allegheny,'' approved March fourteenth, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixtyseven, to the city of Altoona.
Act 154 of 1870 · P.L. 167 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
Authorizing the burgess and town council of the borough of Brookville, in Jefferson county, to increase their borough tax.
Act 155 of 1870 · P.L. 168 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
To prohibit fishing in Mud or Brown's pond, in Wyoming county.
Act 156 of 1870 · P.L. 169 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
To authorize the Waynesburg Turnpike Road Company to elect managers.
Act 157 of 1870 · P.L. 169 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
To authorize the Ridge Avenue and Manayunk Passenger Railway Company to lease their road, property and franchises, and to sell their real estate to any railroad or railway company, and enable such companies to enter into contracts respecting the same.
Act 159 of 1870 · P.L. 171 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to prevent the destruction of fish in Breeche's pond or lake, in Overfleld township, Wyoming county, and Chartiers creek, Washington county.''
Act 160 of 1870 · P.L. 171 · 1870 · Scanned page
To incorporate the Muncy Creek Improvement Company.
Act 161 of 1870 · P.L. 172 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
To extend to the county of Elk the provisions of an a ct relating to the sale of lands for taxes in Potter, Warren, Bradford and Sullivan counties.
Act 162 of 1870 · P.L. 174 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
Increasing the fees of witnesses in the county of Berks.
Act 163 of 1870 · P.L. 174 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
To repeal an act, entitled "An Act relative to actions of ejectment in Erie county," approved the tenth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven.
Act 164 of 1870 · P.L. 175 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
To repeal an act relating to roads in West Bradford township, Chester county. 9
Act 165 of 1870 · P.L. 176 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
Creating seven additional notaries public for the county of Allegheny.
Act 166 of 1870 · P.L. 176 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
Relating to roads and streets in the borough of Bentleysvilie, Washington county.
Act 167 of 1870 · P.L. 177 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
Relative to the New Castle and New Wilmington Plank Road Company, in the county of Lawrence.
Act 168 of 1870 · P.L. 178 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
Incorporating the Graham and Parker Bridge Company.
Act 169 of 1870 · P.L. 178 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
To extend the provisions of the act, entitled "An Act relative to the collection of school tax in the township of Solebury, Bucks county," approved the twelfth day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine, to the township of Bristol, Bucks county.
Act 170 of 1870 · P.L. 179 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
Authorizing the trustees of the Erie academy to invest the funds of said academy in certain bonds.
Act 171 of 1870 · P.L. 180 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
To authorize the construction of a bridge over Oil creek, at Rouseville, in the township of Cornplanter and co unty of Venango
Act 172 of 1870 · P.L. 181 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
To be commissioned. Term. of office. Jurisdiction and powers. Docket. Subject to. To s;ive bond. Senior justice of peace to act in certain cases. I'l IS. No. 1T3. To provide for the appointment of a police justice in the chVy of Erie.
Act 173 of 1870 · P.L. 182 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
Authorizing the borough of Sewickley, Allegheny county, to levy an extra tax.
Act 174 of 1870 · P.L. 183 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
To transfer a portion of the fund of the Chatham school district, in the county of Tioga, to the township fund of said district.
Act 175 of 1870 · P.L. 184 · 1870 · Scanned page
Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Fall Brook Coal Company," approved the seventh day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine.
Act 176 of 1870 · P.L. 185 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
Supplement to an act incorporating the American College of Medicine in Pennsylvania, passed February twenty-sixth, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-three, and the supplement approved March fifteenth, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-five.
Act 177 of 1870 · P.L. 185 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
To extend the provisions of an act to authorize the appointment of an auctioneer iu Clinton county, and in the borough of Meadville, in Crawford county, approved the, thirtieth day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-four, and of the supplement thereto, approved the fifth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, to Crawford county.
Act of 1870 · P.L. 186 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
Extending to Venango county an act to enlarge the jurisdiction of justices of the peace in the county of Erie.
Act 181 of 1870 · P.L. 188 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
To enable the governor to issue a commission to John M. Gibboney, as justice of the peace for Allegheny township, Blair county.
Act 182 of 1870 · P.L. 188 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
To establish a ferry over the Allegneny river, at Kussell farm, Scrubgrass township, in Venango county.
Act 183 of 1870 · P.L. 189 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
Relating to road supervisors in West Deer township, in the county of Allegheny.
Act of 1870 · P.L. 191 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
To authorize the commissioners of Lehigh county to erect foot sidewalks adjoining the stone bridge crossing the Jordan creek, at the Hamilton street crossing, in the city of Allentown, in the county of Lehigh.
Act 184 of 1870 · P.L. 191 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
Repealing an act, approved the twenty -sixth day of February, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine, entitled "A supplement to an act to incorporate the Susquehanna and Lehigh turnpike road," approved the twenty -sixth day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and four, entitled "An Act to enable the governor of this commonwealth to incorporate a company for making
Act of 1870 · P.L. 192 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
To establish a ferry over the Alleghenv river, at the M'Millen farm, in the county of Venango.
Act of 1870 · P.L. 193 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
an act to incorporate the Venango Water Company, approved the fourth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three.
Act 188 of 1870 · P.L. 195 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act relating to the draining of wet or spouty lands in certain counties," extending the provisions of said act to Allegheny county, and extending the same to the draining and ventilating of coal and other mines in said county.
Act of 1870 · P.L. 197 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
To prevent the sale of intoxicating liquors in the borough of Fayette City, Fayette county, and within two miles of the limits of said borough, in said county.
Act 191 of 1870 · P.L. 197 · February 18, 1870 · Scanned page
Supplement to an act approved April eleventh, Anno Dornini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight, entitled "An Act to authorize the appropriation of certain road taxes in the county of Clinton to the construction of the public roads laid out within the district composed of the lands upon which said taxes are levied.
Act 192 of 1870 · P.L. 199 · February 19, 1870 · Scanned page
To authorize the sale of lands in Sandy Creek township, Venango county, for poor taxes.
Act 193 of 1870 · P.L. 199 · February 19, 1870 · Scanned page
To enable the members of the bar of Crawford county to form a library association with corporate powers.
Act 194 of 1870 · P.L. 200 · February 19, 1870 · Scanned page
To repeal an act relative to the treasurer of the county of Erie.
Act 195 of 1870 · P.L. 201 · February 19, 1870 · Scanned page
Supplement to an act, entitled "An Act extending an act, approved April second, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven, relative to the fees of jurors, coroners, auditors and witnesses in the county of Venango," approved the fifth day of February, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty
Act 196 of 1870 · P.L. 202 · February 19, 1870 · Scanned page
To regulate the fees of assessors and assistant assessors in Crawford county.
Act 197 of 1870 · P.L. 202 · February 19, 1870 · Scanned page
Relating to roads in Jefferson and Buffalo townships, Washington county.
Act 198 of 1870 · P.L. 203 · February 19, 1870 · Scanned page
To establish a steam or chain ferry over the Allegheny river, at Fox's Landing, in Richland township, Clarion county, to a point on the opposite shore, at or, near the dwelling house of James Fowler.
Act 200 of 1870 · P.L. 208 · February 19, 1870 · Scanned page
To authorize the transfer of guardianship of minor heirs of Daniel Stone and Huldah A. Stone, late of Philadelphia, from the orphans' court of the county of Philadelphia, in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to the probate court of Cuyahoga county, in the state of Ohio.
Act 201 of 1870 · P.L. 209 · February 4, 1870 · Scanned page
To increase the mileage fees of sheriffs in Forest county.
Act 202 of 1870 · P.L. 210 · February 19, 1870 · Scanned page
Supplement to an act providing for the taking of game, so far as it relates to "Washington county.
Act 203 of 1870 · P.L. 210 · February 19, 1870 · Scanned page
Authorizing the appointment of additional auctioneers for the borough of Wilkesbarre.
Act 204 of 1870 · P.L. 211 · February 26, 1870 · Scanned page
To authorize the commissioners of the county of Jefferson to borrow money.
Act 205 of 1870 · P.L. 212 · February 19, 1870 · Scanned page
Supplement to an act to incorporate the Germantown Cottage Company, ap proved May first, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty-six.
Act 206 of 1870 · P.L. 213 · 1870 · Scanned page
To require itinerant purchasers and traders in glass, rags, paper, scrap metals, old clothing and all other refuse matter, to be licensed.
Act 207 of 1870 · P.L. 214 · 1870 · Scanned page
To authorize the register's court for the city and county of Philadelphia to hear the proof of the last will and testament of George A. Alter, late of said city, deceased, with power to admit the same, to probate.
Act 208 of 1870 · P.L. 214 · February 23, 1870 · Scanned page
To vacate Pemberton lane, in Philadelphia.
Act 209 of 1870 · P.L. 216 · February 23, 1870 · Scanned page
To confer on Rosanna Vanhorn all the rights and privileges of a child born in lawful wedlock.
Act 210 of 1870 · P.L. 217 · February 23, 1870 · Scanned page
Relative to the Ridgway Branch of the Philadelphia library.
Act 212 of 1870 · P.L. 219 · February 23, 1870 · Scanned page
Authorizing the reference of civil actions in the counties of Tioga and Potter.
Act 213 of 1870 · P.L. 219 · 1870 · Scanned page
To repeal the first and second sections of an act imposing additional duties on the county surveyor of the county of Luzerne, approved May third, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine.
Act 214 of 1870 · P.L. 221 · 1870 · Scanned page
Relative to appeals from the judgments of aldermen and justices of the peace in the city of Harrisburg, and county of Dauphin.
Act 215 of 1870 · P.L. 221 · February 23, 1870 · Scanned page
To increase the pay of jurors in the county of Dauphin.
Act 216 of 1870 · P.L. 222 · February 23, 1870 · Scanned page
Relating to costs in the city of
Act 217 of 1870 · P.L. 222 · February 23, 1870 · Scanned page
To authorize the courts of Bradford county to hold additional sessions in the borough of Troy, in said county.
Act 218 of 1870 · P.L. 223 · February 23, 1870 · Scanned page
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.