DHS Special Events Program and Support Act

HR 1508, the DHS Special Events Program and Support Act, creates a new program within the Department of Homeland Security to assess security threats at pre-planned large events (like festivals or conferences) not already designated as National Special Security Events. It allows state, local, tribal, and territorial officials to voluntarily request a security rating for their events, based on factors like attendance of officials, event size, venue, and credible threats. The program enables DHS to provide direct security and situational awareness support upon request, with annual reports to Congress tracking event submissions, support provided, and rating reassessments. The bill also requires DHS to research technologies for mass gathering security while respecting privacy and civil liberties.