reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 53 - Bases of Jurisdiction and Interstate and International Procedure › Section 5329 - Other provisions of law unaffected

§ 5329. Other provisions of law unaffected.
Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, this subchapter does not repeal or modify any law of this Commonwealth:
(1) Authorizing the exercise of jurisdiction on any basis other than the bases specified in section 5322 (relating to bases of personal jurisdiction over persons outside this Commonwealth).
(2) Permitting a procedure for service or for obtaining testimony, documents, or other things for use in this Commonwealth or in a tribunal outside this Commonwealth other than the procedures prescribed in section 5323 (relating to service of process on persons outside this Commonwealth) through section 5326 (relating to assistance to tribunals and litigants outside this Commonwealth with respect to depositions).
(3) Authorizing the determination of foreign law or the proof of official records or any entry or lack of entry therein by any method other than the methods prescribed in section 5327 (relating to determination of foreign law) and section 5328 (relating to proof of official records).
Saved from Suspension.
Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure No. 449, adopted June 3, 1994, provided that section 5329 shall not be deemed suspended or affected by Rules 400 through 441 relating to service of original process and other legal papers.
References in Text.
Section 5326, referred to in this section, is repealed.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 53 - Bases of Jurisdiction and Interstate and International Procedure › Section 5333 - Definitions

§ 5333. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this subchapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Foreign jurisdiction."
A state other than Pennsylvania.
"Foreign subpoena."
A subpoena issued under authority of a court of record of a foreign jurisdiction.
"Person."
An individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, public corporation, government or governmental subdivision, agency or instrumentality or any other legal or commercial entity.
"Prothonotary."
The term includes a clerk of court, where applicable.
"State."
A state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, a federally recognized Indian tribe or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
"Subpoena."
A document, however denominated, issued under authority of a court of record requiring a person to:
(1) attend and give testimony at a deposition, hearing or trial;
(2) produce and permit inspection and copying of designated books, documents, records, electronically stored information or tangible things in the possession, custody or control of the person; or
(3) permit inspection of premises under the control of the person.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 53 - Bases of Jurisdiction and Interstate and International Procedure › Section 5334 - Principles of construction

§ 5334. Principles of construction.
In applying and construing this subchapter, consideration shall be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 53 - Bases of Jurisdiction and Interstate and International Procedure › Section 5335 - Issuance of subpoena

§ 5335. Issuance of subpoena.
(a) General rule.--
To request issuance of a subpoena under this section, a party must submit a foreign subpoena to a prothonotary in the jurisdiction in which the person who is the subject of the order resides, is employed or regularly transacts business in person. A request for the issuance of a subpoena under this subchapter does not constitute an appearance in the courts of this Commonwealth.
(b) Duty of prothonotary.--
A prothonotary in receipt of a foreign subpoena shall, in accordance with that court's procedure, promptly issue a subpoena for service upon the person to whom the foreign subpoena is directed.
(c) Contents of subpoena.--
A subpoena under subsection (b) must:
(1) Incorporate the terms used in the foreign subpoena.
(2) Contain or be accompanied by the names, addresses and telephone numbers of all counsel of record in the proceeding to which the subpoena relates and of any party not represented by counsel.
(d) Voluntary compliance.--
A person within this Commonwealth not served with a subpoena under this section may voluntarily give his testimony or statement or produce documents or other things for use in a matter before a tribunal outside this Commonwealth.
Cross References.
Section 5335 is referred to in section 5337 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 53 - Bases of Jurisdiction and Interstate and International Procedure › Section 5336 - Pennsylvania rules applicable

§ 5336. Pennsylvania rules applicable.
The Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure and any statutes relating to service of subpoenas and compliance with subpoenas shall apply to all subpoenas issued under this subchapter. Such rules shall include, but are not limited to, the following:
No. 4009.21 (relating to Subpoena Upon a Person Not a Party for Production of Documents and Things. Prior Notice. Objections).
No. 4009.22 (relating to Service of Subpoena).
No. 4009.23 (relating to Certificate of Compliance By a Person Not a Party. Notice of Documents or Things Received).
No. 4009.24 (relating to Notice of Intent to Serve Subpoena. Objection to Subpoena. Forms).
No. 4009.25 (relating to Certificate Prerequisite to Service of Subpoena. Form).
No. 4009.26 (relating to Subpoena to Produce Documents or Things. Form).
No. 4009.27 (relating to Certificate of Compliance. Form).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 53 - Bases of Jurisdiction and Interstate and International Procedure › Section 5337 - Application to court

§ 5337. Application to court.
(a) General rule.--
An application to a court for a protective order or to enforce, quash or modify a subpoena issued by a prothonotary under section 5335 (relating to issuance of subpoena) must comply with the rules and statutes of this Commonwealth and be submitted to the court that ordered service of the subpoena.
(b) Authority for order.--
Upon application, the court may proceed as provided by the applicable rules and laws of this Commonwealth, including, but not limited to: section 4132 (relating to attachment and summary punishment for contempts); Chapter 59 (relating to depositions and witnesses); Pa.R.C.P. Nos. 4011 (relating to Limitation of Scope of Discovery and Deposition) and 4012 (relating to Protective Orders).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 53 - Bases of Jurisdiction and Interstate and International Procedure › Section 5341 - § 5366 - (Repealed)

1990 Repeal.
Subchapter C (§§ 5341 - 5366) was added October 5, 1980, P.L.693, No.142, and repealed December 19, 1990, P.L.1240, No.206, effective in 90 days. The subject matter is now contained in Subchapter C of Chapter 53 of Title 23 (Domestic Relations).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 55 - Limitation of Time › Extra - Chapter Notes

Enactment.
Chapter 55 was added July 9, 1976, P.L.586, No.142, effective 60 days from the date
            of final enactment of the act of April 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53.
Cross References.
Chapter 55 is referred to in sections 763, 933, 1722, 5103, 7538 of this title; section
            108 of Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses); section 921 of Title 30 (Fish); section 6302
            of Title 75 (Vehicles).
Cross References.
Subchapter B is referred to in section 2310 of Title 58 (Oil and Gas).
Cross References.
Subchapter C is referred to in section 7507.1 of Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses).
Cross References.
Subchapter D is referred to in section 1722 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 55 - Limitation of Time › Section 5501 - Scope of chapter

§ 5501. Scope of chapter.
(a) General rule.--
An action, proceeding or appeal must be commenced within the time specified in or pursuant to this chapter unless, in the case of a civil action or proceeding, a different time is provided by this title or another statute or a shorter time which is not manifestly unreasonable is prescribed by written agreement.
(b) Uniform Commercial Code.--
The provisions of Title 13 (relating to commercial code), to the extent that they are inconsistent with this chapter, shall control over the provisions of this chapter.
(c) Equitable matters.--
Nothing in this chapter shall modify the principles of waiver, laches and estoppel and similar principles heretofore applicable in equitable matters.
(Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, eff. 60 days; Nov. 1, 1979, P.L.255, No.86, eff. Jan. 1, 1980; Oct. 5, 1980, P.L.693, No.142, eff. 60 days; Dec. 20, 1982, P.L.1409, No.326, eff. imd.; July 11, 1996, P.L.607, No.104, eff. 60 days)
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 55 - Limitation of Time › Section 5502 - Method of computing periods of limitation generally

§ 5502. Method of computing periods of limitation generally.
(a) General rule.--
The time within which a matter must be commenced under this chapter shall be computed, except as otherwise provided by subsection (b) or by any other provision of this chapter, from the time the cause of action accrued, the criminal offense was committed or the right of appeal arose.
(b) Implementing court rules.--
Subsection (a) may be made more specifically applicable to particular classes of matters by general rules defining the acts, omissions or events from which the limitation shall be computed. Rules adopted pursuant to this section shall take effect only in the manner provided by section 503(b) (relating to procedures).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 55 - Limitation of Time › Section 5503 - Commencement of matters

§ 5503. Commencement of matters.
(a) General rule.--
A matter is commenced for the purposes of this chapter when a document embodying the matter is filed in an office authorized by section 5103 (relating to transfer of erroneously filed matters) or by any other provision of law to receive such document.
(b) Implementing court rules.--
Subsection (a) may be made more specifically applicable to particular classes of matters, including interparty claims therein, by general rules further defining the document which when filed shall constitute the commencement of a matter.
(Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, eff. 60 days)
1978 Amendment.
Act 53 amended subsec. (b).
Cross References.
Section 5503 is referred to in section 5552 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 55 - Limitation of Time › Section 5504 - Judicial extension of time

§ 5504. Judicial extension of time.
(a) General rule.--
Except as provided in section 1722 (c) (relating to time limitations) or in subsection (b) of this section, the time limited by this chapter shall not be extended by order, rule or otherwise.
(b) Fraud.--
The time limited by this chapter may be extended to relieve fraud or its equivalent, but there shall be no extension of time as a matter of indulgence or with respect to any criminal proceeding.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 55 - Limitation of Time › Section 5505 - Modification of orders

§ 5505. Modification of orders.
Except as otherwise provided or prescribed by law, a court upon notice to the parties may modify or rescind any order within 30 days after its entry, notwithstanding the prior termination of any term of court, if no appeal from such order has been taken or allowed.
Cross References.
Section 5505 is referred to in section 3332 of Title 23 (Domestic Relations).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 55 - Limitation of Time › Section 5521 - Limitations on foreign claims

§ 5521. Limitations on foreign claims.
(a) Short title of section.--
This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Uniform Statute of Limitations on Foreign Claims Act."
(b) General rule.--
The period of limitation applicable to a claim accruing outside this Commonwealth shall be either that provided or prescribed by the law of the place where the claim accrued or by the law of this Commonwealth, whichever first bars the claim.
(c) Definition.--
As used in this section "claim" means any right of action which may be asserted in a civil action or proceeding and includes, but is not limited to, a right of action created by statute.
Cross References.
Section 5521 is referred to in section 5531 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 55 - Limitation of Time › Section 5523 - One year limitation

§ 5523. One year limitation.
The following actions and proceedings must be commenced within one year:
(1) An action for libel, slander or invasion of privacy.
(2) An action upon a bond given as security by a party in any matter, except a bond given by a condemnor in an eminent domain proceeding.
(3) An action upon any payment or performance bond.
(Dec. 20, 1982, P.L.1409, No.326, eff. 60 days)
1982 Amendment.
Section 403 of Act 326 provided that the amendments to Chapter 55 effected by Act 326 shall apply only to causes of action which accrue after the effective date of Act 326.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 55 - Limitation of Time › Section 5524 - Two year limitation

§ 5524. Two year limitation.
The following actions and proceedings must be commenced within two years:
(1) An action for assault, battery, false imprisonment, false arrest, malicious prosecution or malicious abuse of process.
(2) An action to recover damages for injuries to the person or for the death of an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect or unlawful violence or negligence of another.
(3) An action for taking, detaining or injuring personal property, including actions for specific recovery thereof.
(4) An action for waste or trespass of real property.
(5) An action upon a statute for a civil penalty or forfeiture.
(6) An action against any officer of any government unit for the nonpayment of money or the nondelivery of property collected upon on execution or otherwise in his possession.
(7) Any other action or proceeding to recover damages for injury to person or property which is founded on negligent, intentional, or otherwise tortious conduct or any other action or proceeding sounding in trespass, including deceit or fraud, except an action or proceeding subject to another limitation specified in this subchapter.
(8) An action to recover damages for injury to a person or for the death of a person caused by exposure to asbestos shall be commenced within two years from the date on which the person is informed by a licensed physician that the person has been injured by such exposure or upon the date on which the person knew or in the exercise of reasonable diligence should have known that the person had an injury which was caused by such exposure, whichever date occurs first.
(Dec. 20, 1982, P.L.1409, No.326, eff. 60 days; Dec. 17, 2001, P.L.904, No.101, eff. 60 days; Nov. 24, 2004, P.L.1243, No.152, eff. imd.)
2013 Unconstitutionality.
Act 152 of 2004 was declared unconstitutional. Commonwealth v. Neiman, 84 A.3d 603 (Pa. 2013). The unconstitutionality took effect March 17, 2014.
Cross References.
Section 5524 is referred to in section 1553 of Title 15 (Corporations and Unincorporated Associations).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 55 - Limitation of Time › Section 5524.1 - Limitation and application for asbestos claims (Unconstitutional)

§ 5524.1. Limitation and application for asbestos claims (Unconstitutional).
2013 Unconstitutionality.
Act 152 of 2004 was declared unconstitutional. Commonwealth v. Neiman, 84 A.3d 603 (Pa. 2013). The unconstitutionality took effect March 17, 2014.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 55 - Limitation of Time › Section 5525 - Four year limitation

§ 5525. Four year limitation.
(a) General rule.--
Except as provided for in subsection (b), the following actions and proceedings must be commenced within four years:
(1) An action upon a contract, under seal or otherwise, for the sale, construction or furnishing of tangible personal property or fixtures.
(2) Any action subject to 13 Pa.C.S. § 2725 (relating to statute of limitations in contracts for sale).
(3) An action upon an express contract not founded upon an instrument in writing.
(4) An action upon a contract implied in law, except an action subject to another limitation specified in this subchapter.
(5) An action upon a judgment or decree of any court of the United States or of any state.
(6) An action upon any official bond of a public official, officer or employee.
(7) An action upon a negotiable or nonnegotiable bond, note or other similar instrument in writing. Where such an instrument is payable upon demand, the time within which an action on it must be commenced shall be computed from the later of either demand or any payment of principal of or interest on the instrument.
(8) An action upon a contract, obligation or liability founded upon a writing not specified in paragraph (7), under seal or otherwise, except an action subject to another limitation specified in this subchapter.
(b) Special provisions.--
An action subject to section 8315 (relating to damages in actions for identity theft) must be commenced within four years of the date of the offense or four years from the date of the discovery of the identity theft by the plaintiff.
(Oct. 5, 1980, P.L.693, No.142, eff. 60 days; Dec. 20, 1982, P.L.1409, No.326, eff. 60 days; June 19, 2002, P.L.430, No.62, eff. 60 days)
Cross References.
Section 5525 is referred to in section 5529 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 55 - Limitation of Time › Section 5526 - Five year limitation

§ 5526. Five year limitation.
The following actions and proceedings must be commenced within five years:
(1) An action for revival of a judgment lien on real property.
(2) An action for specific performance of a contract for sale of real property or for damages for noncompliance therewith.
(3) An action to enforce any equity of redemption or any implied or resulting trust as to real property.
(4) (Deleted by amendment).
(Dec. 20, 1982, P.L.1409, No.326, eff. 60 days; May 4, 2006, P.L.112, No.34, eff. 120 days)
2006 Amendment.
Act 34 deleted par. (4). Section 6(1) of Act 34 provided that Act 34 shall apply to all condemnations effected on or after the effective date of section 6. Section (6)(3) of Act 34 provided that the amendment of par. (4) shall apply only to causes of action which accrue after the effective date of section 6.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 55 - Limitation of Time › Section 5527 - Six year limitation

§ 5527. Six year limitation.
(a) Eminent domain.--
(1) (i) If a condemnor has filed a declaration of taking, a petition for the appointment of viewers for the assessment of damages under 26 Pa.C.S. (relating to eminent domain) must be filed within six years from the date on which the condemnor first made payment in accordance with 26 Pa.C.S. § 307(a) or (b) (relating to possession, right of entry and payment of compensation).
(ii) If payment is not required to be made under 26 Pa.C.S. § 307(a) to obtain possession, a petition for the appointment of viewers must be filed within six years of the filing of the declaration of taking.
(2) If the condemnor has not filed a declaration of taking, a petition for the appointment of viewers for the assessment of damages under 26 Pa.C.S. must be filed within six years from the date on which the asserted taking, injury or destruction of the property occurred or could reasonably have been discovered by the condemnee.
(b) Other civil action or proceeding.--
Any civil action or proceeding which is neither subject to another limitation specified in this subchapter nor excluded from the application of a period of limitation by section 5531 (relating to no limitation) must be commenced within six years.
(Dec. 5, 1980, P.L.1104, No.189, eff. imd.; Dec. 20, 1982, P.L.1409, No.326, eff. 60 days; May 4, 2006, P.L.112, No.34, eff. 120 days)
2006 Amendment.
Section 6(1) of Act 34 provided that Act 34 shall apply to all condemnations effected on or after the effective date of section 6. Section (6)(3) of Act 34 provided that the amendment of section 5527 shall apply only to causes of action which accrue after the effective date of section 6.
Cross References.
Section 5527 is referred to in section 5527.2 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 55 - Limitation of Time › Section 5527.2 - Mesne profits

§ 5527.2. Mesne profits.
(a) General rule.--
Record owners, their heirs, successors and assigns shall have the right to seek any mesne profits in an action in ejectment filed in response to the notice served under section 5527.1 (relating to ten year limitation) or waive the right to such recovery.
(b) Limitation on recovery.--
Recovery shall be limited to the mesne profits applicable to the six-year period ending with the commencement of the action in ejectment under section 5527(b) (relating to six year limitation).
(June 19, 2018, P.L.223, No.34, eff. one year)
2018 Amendment.
Act 34 added section 5527.2.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 55 - Limitation of Time › Section 5527.3 - Reimbursement

§ 5527.3. Reimbursement.
The defendant in the ejectment action under section 5527.1 (relating to ten year limitation) shall have the right to recover such costs for maintenance, improvements, repairs, renovations, taxes or other such expenses to benefit the real property as the defendant can prove by a preponderance of the evidence that were or should have been the responsibility of the record owners, their heirs, successors and assigns.
(June 19, 2018, P.L.223, No.34, eff. one year)
2018 Amendment.
Act 34 added section 5527.3.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 55 - Limitation of Time › Section 5528 - Fifteen year limitation

§ 5528. Fifteen year limitation.
Except as otherwise provided by section 17 (relating to periods of limitation) of the act of August 9, 1971 (P.L.286, No.74), known as the "Disposition of Abandoned and Unclaimed Property Act," an action for escheat, or for payment into the State Treasury without escheat, must be commenced within 15 years after the property sought in such action shall have first escheated or become escheatable or payable into the State Treasury under any statute.
References in Text.
The act of August 9, 1971, P.L.286, No.74, known as the Disposition of Abandoned and Unclaimed Property Act, referred to in this section, was repealed by the act of December 9, 1982, P.L.1057, No.248. The subject matter is now contained in Article XIII.1 of the act of April 9, 1929, P.L.343, No.176, known as The Fiscal Code.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 55 - Limitation of Time › Section 5529 - Twenty year limitation

§ 5529. Twenty year limitation.
(a) Execution against personal property.--
An execution against personal property must be issued within 20 years after the entry of the judgment upon which the execution is to be issued.
(b) Instruments under seal.--
(1) Notwithstanding section 5525(7) (relating to four year limitation), an action upon an instrument in writing under seal must be commenced within 20 years.
(2) (Deleted by amendment).
(Dec. 5, 1980, P.L.1104, No.189, eff. imd.; Dec. 20, 1982, P.L.1409, No.326, eff. 60 days; June 18, 1998, P.L.536, No.77, eff. imd.; June 25, 2018, P.L.348, No.46, eff. imd.)
2018 Amendment.
Act 46 deleted subsec. (b)(2).
1982 Amendment.
Section 403 of Act 326 provided that the amendments to Chapter 55 effected by Act 326 shall apply only to causes of action which accrue after the effective date of Act 326.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 55 - Limitation of Time › Section 5530 - Twenty-one year limitation

§ 5530. Twenty-one year limitation.
(a) General rule.--
The following actions and proceedings must be commenced within 21 years:
(1) Except as provided in section 5527.1 (relating to ten year limitation), an action for the possession of real property.
(2) An action for the payment of any ground rent, annuity or other charge upon real property, or any part or portion thereof. If this paragraph shall operate to bar any payment of such a rent, annuity or charge, the rent, annuity or charge to which the payment relates shall be extinguished and no further action may be commenced with respect to subsequent payments.
(3) (Deleted by amendment).
(b) Entry upon land.--
No entry upon real property shall toll the running of the period of limitation specified in subsection (a)(1), unless a possessory action shall be commenced therefor within one year after entry. Such an entry and commencement of a possessory action, without recovery therein, shall not toll the running of such period of limitation in respect of another possessory action, unless such other possessory action is commenced within one year after the termination of the first.
(May 4, 2006, P.L.112, No.34, eff. 120 days; June 19, 2018, P.L.223, No.34, eff. one year)
2018 Amendment.
Act 34 amended subsec. (a)(1).
2006 Amendment.
Act 34 deleted subsec. (a)(3). Section 6(1) of Act 34 provided that Act 34 shall apply to all condemnations effected on or after the effective date of section 6. Section (6)(3) of Act 34 provided that the amendment of subsec. (a)(3) shall apply only to causes of action which accrue after the effective date of section 6.
Cross References. Section 5530 is referred to in section 5527.1 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 55 - Limitation of Time › Section 5531 - No limitation

§ 5531. No limitation.
The following actions and proceedings may be commenced at any time notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter except section 5521 (relating to limitations on foreign claims):
(1) An action against an attorney at law by or on behalf of a client to enforce any implied or resulting trust as to real property.
(2) An action by the Commonwealth, a county or an institution district against the real or personal property of persons who were public charges, including mental patients, to recover the cost of their maintenance and support.
(3) An action by the Commonwealth, a county or an institution district against the real or personal property of persons who were legally liable to pay for the maintenance and support of persons who were public charges, including mental patients, to recover the cost of their maintenance and support.
Cross References.
Section 5531 is referred to in section 5527 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 55 - Limitation of Time › Section 5532 - Absence or concealment

§ 5532. Absence or concealment.
(a) General rule.--
If, when a cause of action accrues against a person, he is without this Commonwealth, the time within which the action or proceeding must be commenced shall be computed from the time he comes into or returns to this Commonwealth. If, after a cause of action has accrued against a person, he departs from this Commonwealth and remains continuously absent therefrom for four months or more, or he resides within this Commonwealth under a false name which is unknown to the person entitled to commence the action or proceeding, the time of his absence or residence within this Commonwealth under such a false name is not a part of the time within which the action or proceeding must be commenced.
(b) Exception.--
Subsection (a) does not apply in any of the following cases:
(1) While there is in force a designation, voluntary or involuntary, made pursuant to law, of a person to whom process may be delivered within this Commonwealth with the same effect as if served personally within this Commonwealth.
(2) While a foreign corporation has one or more officers or other persons in this Commonwealth on whom process against such corporation may be served.
(3) While jurisdiction over the person of the defendant can be obtained without personal delivery of process to him within this Commonwealth.
(c) Fraudulent concealment.--
In the case of a civil action or proceeding against the trustee of an express or implied trust, the time within which such an action or proceeding by or on behalf of a beneficiary on account of fraud must be commenced shall be computed from the discovery of the fraud, or when, by reasonable diligence, the person defrauded might have discovered the fraud. This subsection shall not prevent a bona fide purchaser for value from pleading the applicable statute of limitations.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 55 - Limitation of Time › Section 5534 - War

§ 5534. War.
(a) Cause of action accruing in foreign country.--
Where a cause of action, whether originally accrued in favor of a resident or nonresident of this Commonwealth, accrued in a foreign country with which the United States or any of its allies were then or subsequently at war, or territory then or subsequently occupied by the government of such foreign country, the time which elapsed between the commencement of the war, or of such occupation, and the termination of hostilities with such country, or of such occupation, is not a part of the time within which the civil action or proceeding must be commenced, notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter.
(b) Alien a party.--
Where a person is unable to commence an action or proceeding within this Commonwealth because any party is an alien subject or citizen of a foreign country at war with the United States or any of its allies, whether the cause of action accrued during or prior to the war, the time which elapsed between the commencement of the war and the termination of hostilities with such country is not a part of the time within which the civil action or proceeding must be commenced, notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter.
(c) Nonenemy in enemy country or enemy-occupied territory.--
Where a person entitled to commence an action or proceeding, other than a person entitled to the benefits of subsection (b), is a resident of, or a sojourner in, a foreign country with which the United States or any of its allies are at war, or territory occupied by the government of such foreign country, the period of such residence or sojourn during which the war continues or the territory is so occupied is not a part of the time within which the civil action or proceeding must be commenced, notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 55 - Limitation of Time › Section 5535 - Effect of other actions and proceedings

§ 5535. Effect of other actions and proceedings.
(a) Termination of prior matter.--
(1) If a civil action or proceeding is timely commenced and is terminated, a party, or his successor in interest, may, notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, commence a new action or proceeding upon the same cause of action within one year after the termination and any other party may interpose any defense or claim which might have been interposed in the original action or proceeding.
(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to:
(i) An action to recover damages for injury to the person or for the death of an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect or unlawful violence or negligence of another.
(ii) An action or proceeding terminated by a voluntary nonsuit, a discontinuance, a dismissal for neglect to prosecute the action or proceeding, or a final judgment upon the merits.
(b) Stay of matter.--
Where the commencement of a civil action or proceeding has been stayed by a court or by statutory prohibition, the duration of the stay is not a part of the time within which the action or proceeding must be commenced.
(c) Arbitration.--
Where it shall have been finally determined by a court that a party is not obligated to submit a claim to arbitration, the time which elapsed between the demand for arbitration and the final determination by a court that there is no obligation to arbitrate is not a part of the time within which a civil action or proceeding upon such claim must be commenced. The time within which the action or proceeding must be commenced shall not be extended by this subsection beyond one year after such final determination by a court.
(Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, eff. 60 days; Oct. 5, 1980, P.L.693, No.142, eff. 60 days)
1980 Amendment.
Act 142 amended subsec. (c).
1978 Amendment.
Act 53 amended subsec. (a).
Cross References.
Section 5535 is referred to in section 5103 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 55 - Limitation of Time › Section 5536 - Construction projects

§ 5536. Construction projects.
(a) General rule.--
Except as provided in subsection (b), a civil action or proceeding brought against any person lawfully performing or furnishing the design, planning, supervision or observation of construction, or construction of any improvement to real property must be commenced within 12 years after completion of construction of such improvement to recover damages for:
(1) Any deficiency in the design, planning, supervision or observation of construction or construction of the improvement.
(2) Injury to property, real or personal, arising out of any such deficiency.
(3) Injury to the person or for wrongful death arising out of any such deficiency.
(4) Contribution or indemnity for damages sustained on account of any injury mentioned in paragraph (2) or (3).
(b) Exceptions.--
(1) If an injury or wrongful death shall occur more than ten and within 12 years after completion of the improvement a civil action or proceeding within the scope of subsection (a) may be commenced within the time otherwise limited by this subchapter, but not later than 14 years after completion of construction of such improvement.
(2) The limitation prescribed by subsection (a) shall not be asserted by way of defense by any person in actual possession or control, as owner, tenant or otherwise, of such an improvement at the time any deficiency in such an improvement constitutes the proximate cause of the injury or wrongful death for which it is proposed to commence an action or proceeding.
(c) No extension of limitations.--
This section shall not extend the period within which any civil action or proceeding may be commenced under any provision of law.
(Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, eff. 60 days)
1978 Amendment.
Act 53 amended subsecs. (a) and (b).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 55 - Limitation of Time › Section 5537 - Land surveying

§ 5537. Land surveying.
All actions to recover any or all damages against any person engaged in the practice of land surveying occurring as the result of any deficiency, defect, omission, error or miscalculation shall be commenced within 12 years from the time the services are performed. Any such action not commenced within this 12-year period shall be forever barred. The cause of action in such cases shall accrue when the services are performed. Furthermore, any action shall be commenced within four years from the time that such cause of action was discovered, but no later than during this 12-year limitation period. In any event, no action shall be commenced after the 12 years from the time that the services are performed. The term "practice of land surveying" shall be the same as defined under the act of May 23, 1945 (P.L.913, No.367), known as the Engineer, Land Surveyor and Geologist Registration Law.
(June 30, 1988, P.L.464, No.79, eff. imd.; July 7, 2006, P.L.348, No.72, eff. 60 days)
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 55 - Limitation of Time › Section 5538 - Landscape architecture

§ 5538. Landscape architecture.
(a) General rule.--
All actions to recover any or all damages against any person engaged in the practice of landscape architecture occurring as the result of any deficiency, defect, omission, error or miscalculation shall be commenced within 12 years from the time the services are performed. Any such action not commenced within this 12-year period shall be forever barred. The cause of action shall accrue upon substantial completion of the project. Nothing in this section shall be construed as extending the period prescribed by the laws of this Commonwealth for the bringing of any action. The term "practice of landscape architecture" shall be the same as defined in the act of January 24, 1966 (1965 P.L.1527, No.535), known as the Landscape Architects' Registration Law.
(b) Exception.--
The limitation prescribed by subsection (a) shall not be asserted by way of defense by any person in actual possession or control, as owner, tenant or otherwise, of such an improvement at the time any deficiency in such an improvement constitutes the proximate cause of the injury or wrongful death for which it is proposed to commence an action or proceeding.
(June 30, 1988, P.L.464, No.79, eff. imd.)
1988 Amendment.
Act 79 added section 5538.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 55 - Limitation of Time › Section 5539 - Real estate appraisals

§ 5539. Real estate appraisals.
(a) General rule.--
Except as provided under subsection (b), an action to recover damages against a real estate appraiser arising out of the appraiser's real estate appraisal activity shall be brought within five years after the date the appraisal was conducted.
(b) Exception.--
An action to recover damages against a real estate appraiser under subsection (a) may be filed more than five years after the date the appraisal was conducted if:
(1) there is evidence of fraud or intentional misrepresentation on the part of the real estate appraiser; or
(2) the appraisal was performed for a consumer as part of the purchase or sale of single-family residential real property not involving a lender.
(Dec. 22, 2021, P.L.452, No.93, eff. 60 days)
2021 Amendment.
Act 93 added section 5539. Section 2 of Act 93 provided that the five-year period of repose under section 5539 shall not apply to a cause of action which has accrued on or before the effective date of section 2.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 55 - Limitation of Time › Section 5551 - No limitation applicable

§ 5551. No limitation applicable.
A prosecution for the following offenses may be commenced at any time:
(1) Murder.
(2) Voluntary manslaughter.
(3) Conspiracy to commit murder or solicitation to commit murder if a murder results from the conspiracy or solicitation.
(4) Any felony alleged to have been perpetrated in connection with a murder of the first or second degree, as set forth in 18 Pa.C.S. § 2502(a) or (b) and (d) (relating to murder).
(5) A violation of 75 Pa.C.S. § 3742 (relating to accidents involving death or personal injury) or 3732 (relating to homicide by vehicle) if the accused was the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in the death of any person.
(6) A violation of 18 Pa.C.S. § 2702(a)(1), (2), (4) or (7) (relating to aggravated assault) if the accused knew the victim was a law enforcement officer and the law enforcement officer was acting within the scope of the officer's duties.
(7) An offense under any of the following provisions of 18 Pa.C.S. (relating to crimes and offenses), or a conspiracy or solicitation to commit an offense under any of the following provisions of 18 Pa.C.S. if the offense results from the conspiracy or solicitation, if the victim was under 18 years of age at the time of the offense:
Section 3011(b) (relating to trafficking in individuals).
Section 3012 (relating to involuntary servitude) as it relates to sexual servitude.
Section 3121 (relating to rape).
Section 3122.1 (relating to statutory sexual assault).
Section 3123 (relating to involuntary deviate sexual intercourse).
Section 3124.1 (relating to sexual assault).
Section 3124.2 (relating to institutional sexual assault).
Section 3125 (relating to aggravated indecent assault).
Section 4302 (relating to incest).
(Oct. 5, 1980, P.L.693, No.142, eff. 60 days; Dec. 14, 1984, P.L.986, No.199, eff. 60 days; Dec. 19, 1984, P.L.1089, No.218, eff. imd.; Apr. 5, 1990, P.L.113, No.27, eff. 60 days; July 17, 2007, P.L.123, No.37, eff. 60 days; Nov. 26, 2019, P.L.641, No.87, eff. Nov. 26, 2019)
2019 Amendment.
Act 87 added par. (7). See sections 9 and 10(1) of Act 87 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to severability and applicability.
2007 Amendment.
Act 37 amended the entire section. Section 5 of Act 37 provided that the addition of par. (6) which provides for a new statute of limitations for certain violations of 18 Pa.C.S. § 2702(a)(1), (2), (4) or (7) shall apply to such aggravated assaults committed after the effective date of section 5.
Cross References.
Section 5551 is referred to in sections 5552, 8522, 8542 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 55 - Limitation of Time › Section 5553 - Summary offenses involving vehicles

§ 5553. Summary offenses involving vehicles.
(a) General rule.--
Except as provided in subsection (b) or (c), proceedings for summary offenses under Title 75 (relating to vehicles) must be commenced within 30 days after the commission of the alleged offense or within 30 days after the discovery of the commission of the offense or the identity of the offender, whichever is later, and not thereafter.
(b) Minor offenses.--
(Deleted by amendment).
(c) Exceptions.--
(1) Where proceedings are timely commenced against a person reasonably believed to have committed the summary offense or offenses charged and it subsequently appears that a person other than the person charged is the offender, proceedings may be commenced against the other person within 30 days after the identity of the person is discovered and not thereafter.
(2) Proceedings for summary offenses under Title 75 may be commenced within 365 days after the commission of the offense, the discovery of the commission of the offense or the discovery of the identity of the offender, whichever is later, and not thereafter if the offense involved an accident resulting in the bodily injury or death of any person.
(3) Where a police officer reasonably believes that there are multiple summary offenses arising out of the same conduct or the same criminal episode and that an offense under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1543 (relating to driving while operating privilege is suspended or revoked) has occurred, proceedings on all summary offenses arising from the conduct or episode may be commenced at the same time and must be commenced within 30 days after the commission of the alleged offenses or within 30 days after the discovery of the commission of the offenses or the identity of the offender or within 30 days after the police officer receives verification of the basis for the suspension from the Department of Transportation as required under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1543(d), whichever is later, and not thereafter.
(d) Local ordinances on overtime parking.--
Local ordinances pertaining to overtime parking shall be subject to the provisions of this section.
(e) Disposition of proceedings within three years.--
No proceedings shall be held or action taken pursuant to a summary offense under Title 75 subsequent to three years after the commission of the offense.
(Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, eff. 60 days; Oct. 5, 1980, P.L.693, No.142, eff. 60 days; June 15, 1982, P.L.512, No.141, eff. 60 days; Nov. 29, 2004, P.L.1325, No.166, eff. 60 days; Nov. 29, 2004, P.L.1364, No.176, eff. imd.)
2004 Amendments.
Act 166 amended subsecs. (c) and (e) and Act 176 amended subsecs. (a) and (c) and deleted subsec. (b). Act 176 overlooked the amendment by Act 166, but the amendments do not conflict in substance and have both been given effect in setting forth the text of section 5553.
Cross References.
Section 5553 is referred to in section 5554 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 55 - Limitation of Time › Section 5554 - Tolling of statute

§ 5554. Tolling of statute.
Except as provided by section 5553(e) (relating to disposition of proceedings within two years), the period of limitation does not run during any time when:
(1) the accused is continuously absent from this Commonwealth or has no reasonably ascertainable place of abode or work within this Commonwealth;
(2) a prosecution against the accused for the same conduct is pending in this Commonwealth; or
(3) a child is under 18 years of age, where the crime involves injuries to the person of the child caused by the wrongful act, or neglect, or unlawful violence, or negligence of the child's parents or by a person responsible for the child's welfare, or any individual residing in the same home as the child, or a paramour of the child's parent.
(Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, eff. 60 days; July 10, 1985, P.L.193, No.49, eff. 60 days)
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 55 - Limitation of Time › Section 5572 - Time of entry of order

§ 5572. Time of entry of order.
The date of service of an order of a government unit, which shall be the date of mailing if service is by mail, shall be deemed to be the date of entry of the order for the purposes of this subchapter. The date of entry of an order of a court or magisterial district judge may be specified by general rules.
(Nov. 30, 2004, P.L.1618, No.207, eff. 60 days)
2004 Amendment.
See section 29 of Act 207 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to construction of law.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 55 - Limitation of Time › Section 5573 - Effect of application for rehearing

§ 5573. Effect of application for rehearing.
If an application for rehearing or reconsideration of an order is made to a tribunal the effect thereof on the time for appeal from such order shall be governed by general rules adopted pursuant to section 1722(a) (relating to adoption of administrative and procedural rules).
(Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, eff. 60 days)