diff --git a/docs/LEGACY-INGEST.md b/docs/LEGACY-INGEST.md
index ab619b2..14922ac 100644
--- a/docs/LEGACY-INGEST.md
+++ b/docs/LEGACY-INGEST.md
@@ -21,6 +21,22 @@ intention is identified and compared against current Steev main.
 - Keep legacy records compact: refs, intention, current coverage, decision,
   closure gate, and forbidden effects.
 
+## Local Ignored State Classification
+
+These ignored local paths are not cleanup targets for blind archive moves:
+
+- `steev.db`: local personal-agent runtime database created from `schema.sql`.
+  It is not committed and may contain briefing, inbox, delegation, or runtime
+  state.
+
+Decision: leave this path local and ignored. Do not inspect payload contents
+from umbrella cleanup. Future movement needs a Steev-owned route that names the
+exact path, proves no validator or install depends on it, avoids personal
+payload reads, and records a custody manifest without installing or starting
+Steev, mutating `~/.hermes`, broadening Profile Exposure, sending messages,
+writing personal surfaces, calling providers, promoting Core or Seed, writing
+Hindsight memory, or claiming readiness.
+
 ## Current Gates
 
 ### Steev Identity And Master Reference