Legislation enacted in 1986 specifically suspends the rights of a convicted person to vote and to serve on a jury. In addition, a prisoner's right of access to the courts is no longer precluded, although prisoners do not have the right to appear personally in court, particularly in a court action unrelated to the prisoner's confinement. Persons confined to a penal institution are also excluded from participating in several State programs, including the longevity bonus, unemployment compensation, workers' compensation, State employee benefits, and adult public assistance. Nevertheless, they are eligible to receive Permanent Funds Dividends, although the law allows 100 percent of the dividends to be attached for court-ordered restitution. A discussion of each section of the legislation is included.