H.R. 1648 — A–PLUS Act

This section directs the Secretary of Agriculture to revise regulations (9 CFR §201.67), as in effect on January 1, 2025, no later than one year after enactment to permit market agencies (i.e., livestock auction operators) to hold ownership interests in, finance, or participate in the management or operation of small packers—those with cattle or sheep slaughter capacity below 2,000 animals per day or 700,000 per year, and hog capacity below 10,000 per day or 3 million per year—provided such agencies disclose these relationships to livestock sellers. It includes a savings clause preserving the Secretary's authority under the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 to protect producers, ensure competition, maintain market integrity, and prevent conflicts of interest.