---
name: "Dependency promotion loop missing — stories with met deps never move from backlog to current"
---

# Bug 497: Dependency promotion loop missing — stories with met deps never move from backlog to current

## Description

Story 484 implemented dependency checking in auto-assign (skip stories with unmet deps) but did NOT implement the backlog-to-current promotion loop. Stories with `depends_on` that have all deps met sit in backlog forever — nothing moves them to current.

The AC for 484 specified: "A dependency check loop (similar to the timer tick loop) periodically scans backlog for stories whose depends_on stories have all reached done or archived. When all deps are met, the loop moves the story from backlog to current."

This loop was never built. Need a periodic tick (like the timer tick) that scans backlog, checks `depends_on` against done/archived, and promotes ready stories to current.

## How to Reproduce

1. Create story A with no deps, create story B with `depends_on: [A]`
2. Both in backlog
3. Move A to current, let it complete through to done
4. Observe B stays in backlog forever

## Actual Result

Story B stays in backlog despite all deps being met.

## Expected Result

Story B is automatically promoted from backlog to current once story A reaches done.

## Acceptance Criteria

- [ ] Bug is fixed and verified
