Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV) and Congressman Richard Hudson (R-NC) today reintroduced the DHS Special Events Program and Support legislation to standardize, modernize, and streamline the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)’s ability to provide federal security and counterterrorism support for major sports and entertainment events.

The legislation would permanently codify DHS’s Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) system to assess and provide security support for “Special Events,” including festivals, parades, conventions, and other planned events at the state or local level where people gather in large numbers. To ensure DHS remains vigilant against threats at mass gathering events, the bill requires DHS to carry out research and development that will enhance DHS security. It also will provide situational awareness support to federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial officials responsible for the security of mass gatherings, consistent with constitutional, privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties protections. Additionally, the bill requires internal periodic assessments of the SEAR process to keep pace with changing and increasingly sophisticated threat landscapes.

The program that would be made permanent by Rep. Titus’s bill is not currently authorized.

The DHS Special Events Program and Support Act unanimously passed the House last Congress. This bill also is co-sponsored by Rep. Nellie Pou (D-NJ), a member of the Homeland Security Committee.

“With multiple professional sports teams, world-class entertainment events, and business conventions with a global scope, cities like Las Vegas rely on federal support to supplement state and local security efforts,” Rep. Titus said. “DHS is a vital partner in that work, and my legislation would make permanent this program that helps ensure that the kind of special events my district is known for are secure for all of our residents and visitors.”

“Americans should be able to enjoy events like NASCAR without fear,” said Rep. Hudson. “This bill will help protect our citizens by giving DHS the resources needed to ensure these special events are safe and successful.”

“I am grateful to Congresswoman Titus for leading this important legislation. It is vital that we have support from the Department of Homeland Security to protect our residents and visitors during the major events Las Vegas is known for. Live entertainment, including sports and concerts, is an integral part of what draws people to southern Nevada,” said Michael Naft, District A Clark County Commissioner, LVMPD Fiscal Affairs Committee Vice Chair, and LVCVA Board Member. “The DHS Special Events Program and Support Act will be critical as we continue to welcome millions of travelers each year.” 

“Congresswoman Dina Titus’s legislation reflects a proactive approach to the evolving security challenges of hosting large scale events around the country. The bill will provide seamless access to federal resources for local agencies hosting these events. This underscores LVMPD’s commitment to ensuring the safety of the residents and visitors who attend all the sports and entertainment events occurring in our city,” said LVMPD Assistant Sheriff Dori Koren.

“The Clark County Fire Departments primary focus is public safety, and it is only with a consolidated plan and collaboration of partners to ensure we are successful.  We are thankful for Representative Titus’ continued support to ensure we maintain the continued efforts of our local, state, and federal partners. The DHS SEAR is paramount to making the safety of our visitors and residents with large scale events,” said Clark County Fire Chief Billy Samuels. 

“Safety and security are paramount when hosting major marquee events. Passing this legislation introduced by Congresswoman Titus ensures that our local agencies have access to critical federal resources and information that is invaluable when planning and executing the global events that solidify Las Vegas as the Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World,” said Steve Hill, President and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA).

“The National Football League is pleased to support the ‘DHS Special Events Program and Support Act,’ bipartisan legislation that standardizes and improves the long-standing process by which the Department of Homeland Security makes risk assessments and approves requests for security-related assistance, coordination, and support for special events, such as the Super Bowl.  A modernized Special Event Assessment Rating system and process is fundamental to ensuring that the Super Bowl and other large, marquee public gatherings continue to receive the security protections and resources that keep fans safe, and this bill will help to do that,” said Cathy Lanier, Chief Security Officer, National Football League. 

“There is no better place for the U.S. home of Formula 1 than Las Vegas. That is in large part due to the leadership of Congresswoman Titus. The Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix is already working hard to make the third annual race weekend in November 2025 the best yet. I am thankful to Rep. Titus and Rep. Hudson for their bipartisan efforts to ensure we continue the strong collaborative effort among federal, state, and local officials to secure America’s premier sports and entertainment events., said Emily Prazer, President and CEO of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc. 

The bill is also supported by the US Travel Association and the National Emergency Management Association.