The Arizona Retailers Association has named Sen. Linda Gray Legislator of the Year for her work on a bill toughening penalties for shoplifting that is netting results already.

Chandler Police earlier this month recovered $100,000 in stolen property and made 12 arrests in a widespread crime ring. (http://archive.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/11/10/20091110theftring1113.html)

“The businesses and consumers are the ones who ultimately pay for these organized shoplifting rings and we had to toughen the penalties,” Gray said. “In these devastating economic times, the state cannot afford to lose sales tax revenue that supports schools and other services.”

Senate Bill 1059 establishes shoplifting with the intent to resell or trade merchandise as a felony punishable by up to 3 ½ years in prison. Under the previous law, a shoplifter could have been charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the value of the goods, and be punished by up to two years in prison.

Sen. Gray, a Republican from Phoenix, is chair of the Senate’s Public Safety and Human Services Committee.