Int 0837-2026

Int. No. 837-A By Council Members Salaam, Hanif, Epstein, Williams, Banks, Hudson, Hanks, Schulman, Far�as, Won, Dinowitz and Louis ..Title A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a public outreach and education program regarding Hajj and Umrah-related scams ..Body Be it enacted by the Council as follows: Section 1. Subchapter 1 of chapter 5 of title 20 of the of the administrative code of the city of New York is amended by adding a new section 20-706.7 to read as follows: � 20-706.7 Consumer protection outreach and education on Hajj and Umrah-related scams. a. Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms have the following meanings: Designated citywide languages. The term "designated citywide languages" has the same meaning as set forth in section 23-1101. Hajj. The term "Hajj" means the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia that is a pillar of Islam, prescribed as a religious duty for Muslims and that takes place during the last month of the Islamic calendar. Umrah. The term "Umrah" means the voluntary Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, that takes place at any time of the year except Hajj period. b. Outreach and education program. 1. The commissioner shall establish and implement an ongoing outreach and education program regarding Hajj and Umrah-related scams, involving at a minimum the development, distribution, and making available of informational materials as required under subdivision c of this section. 2. Outreach and education required under paragraph 1 of this subdivision shall relate to the following issues: (a) Fraudulent transportation, accommodation, and catering services marketed in connection with Hajj and Umrah; (b) Fraudulent visa issuance in connection with Hajj and Umrah; (c) How individuals can recognize the activity described in subparagraphs (a) and (b) of this paragraph and fraudulent entities engaging in such activity, and where individuals can report such activity; (d) Best practices for booking services in connection with Hajj and Umrah, including but not limited to methods for researching such services, using Saudi Arabia's official platform for facilitating the performance of Hajj and Umrah, and keeping records of related payments; and (e) Any other issue deemed relevant by the commissioner. c. 1. The commissioner shall develop informational materials regarding Hajj and Umrah-related scams in English and the designated citywide languages, distribute such materials to the public, and make such materials available on the department's website. The chairperson of the New York city commission on human rights, the director of the office of immigrant affairs, and the commissioner for the aging shall distribute such materials to the public and make such materials available on their respective agency websites. 2. The commissioner shall update the informational materials required under this subdivision as needed. After any such update, the commissioner shall make the updated materials available on the department's website and the chairperson of the New York city commission on human rights, director of the office of immigrant affairs, and the commissioner for the aging shall make such materials available on their respective agency websites. � 2. This local law takes effect immediately. SSA/SS LS #22390 5/12/2026 6:03 PM 1 1