Hereditary peers are individuals who inherit their titles and rights to sit in the House of Lords in the United Kingdom. These titles are passed down through family lines, typically from parent to child, and are often associated with historical aristocracy. In 1999, the House of Lords Act significantly reduced the number of hereditary peers allowed to sit in the House, allowing only 92 to remain. These hereditary peers can participate in debates and contribute to legislation, but they do not have the same political power as elected members of the House of Commons.