OKLAHOMA CITY -- After years of political wrangling, Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry has signed into law tort reform legislation aimed at curbing frivolous lawsuits and reducing costs associated with the justice system.

Henry said the new law will help improve the legal process without impeding a citizens access to the courts.

The Democratic governor and Republican Oklahoma lawmakers have often been at odds over the issue of how to implement tort reform.

For more than a decade, House and Senate Republicans sought to reform Oklahoma's justice system. They say frivolous lawsuits have hobbled the health- care industry and encouraged private companies to look to more business-friendly states when considering relocation or jobs creation.

Now, "the days of Oklahoma being known as a jackpot justice state are over," said House Speaker Chris Benge. "This legislation will change the economic landscape of our state and will say to companies that we welcome their business in Oklahoma."

Gov. Henry said the measure "enacts reasonable and responsible reforms that improve the civil justice system without impairing a citizen's constitutional right to have his or her legitimate grievances appropriately addressed in court."

The American Insurance Association, a trade group, praised passage of the bill, noting it was a compromise between lawmakers, business advocates, trial lawyers and doctors.

Among other things, the bill caps non-economic damages, eliminates joint and several liability, and caps appeal bonds at $25 million, while providing consumer safeguards for Oklahomans with legitimate claims.

Non-economic damages (so-called pain and suffering awards) would be capped at $400,000 outside of exceptional circumstances.

The law goes into effect Nov. 1.