diff --git a/.agents/skills/contribution-triage/SKILL.md b/.agents/skills/contribution-triage/SKILL.md
index dfd476cb03201fe9ee2585d9b71fb6ecc9a32564..21ba3b7a6566a7a1583f49ab92ba021c154bb3b9 100644
--- a/.agents/skills/contribution-triage/SKILL.md
+++ b/.agents/skills/contribution-triage/SKILL.md
@@ -109,6 +109,11 @@ trusted policy and reassess changed submission evidence; neither example grants
 
 ## Apply the outcome
 
+Do not automatically close a PR if a maintainer in the trusted `TRIAGE_EXEMPTIONS.td` list has
+commented or submitted a review, including on earlier heads, or if `triage:keep-open` is present.
+Leave protected PRs open for maintainer decision. This does not grant an author exemption,
+eligibility, or review approval.
+
 In enforcement mode, execute the applicable outcome within the established scope, using the state and
 retry safeguards below. In a dry run or without the required authority, prepare the same action and
 comment text but do not write to GitHub. Keep the eligibility finding separate from action completion.
diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index f519fc1b59d465e1785653b6963d0630afd1aeab..511e4b094bc130f627cd6df89b16802a82f56f63 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -129,6 +129,11 @@ existing review settings. Neither triage nor a Macroscope review authorizes merg
 
 ## Closure and reconsideration
 
+Automated triage leaves a PR open for maintainer decision if someone in the trusted
+[TRIAGE_EXEMPTIONS.td](.github/TRIAGE_EXEMPTIONS.td) list has commented or submitted a review,
+including on an earlier head, or if `triage:keep-open` is present. This protection does not imply
+eligibility or review approval.
+
 PRs that violate these requirements can be closed before deeper review. Multiple independent fixes
 require splitting. Missing approval requires maintainer discussion or issue triage, as applicable.
 Missing evidence requires establishing the problem and showing how the change was checked.