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+---
+name: "Extract common Matrix messaging for story notifications"
+---
+
+# Refactor 263: Extract common Matrix messaging for story notifications
+
+## Current State
+
+- TBD
+
+## Desired State
+
+Stories 261 and 262 both send bot notifications to Matrix. Extract shared Matrix message-sending logic into a common module so both stage-change notifications and error notifications use the same code path, eliminating duplication.
+
+## Acceptance Criteria
+
+- [ ] Both story 261 (stage notifications) and 262 (error notifications) use a shared utility/module for sending Matrix messages
+- [ ] No duplicated Matrix message-sending code between the two features
+- [ ] Existing notification behavior is preserved for both stories
+
+## Out of Scope
+
+- TBD