diff --git a/core/database.py b/core/database.py
index 6addc95c4..1621492c7 100644
--- a/core/database.py
+++ b/core/database.py
@@ -777,6 +777,7 @@ class ScheduledTask(TimestampMixin, Base):
     owner          = Column(String, nullable=True, index=True)
     name           = Column(String, nullable=False, default="Untitled Task")
     prompt         = Column(Text, nullable=True)              # LLM prompt (for task_type="llm")
+    request_authority_json = Column(Text, nullable=True)       # server-only admitted request snapshot
     task_type      = Column(String, default="llm")            # "llm" | "action"
     action         = Column(String, nullable=True)            # builtin action name (for task_type="action")
     schedule       = Column(String, nullable=True)            # "once", "daily", "weekly", "monthly"
@@ -2335,6 +2336,15 @@ def _migrate_seed_email_account():
 # Any future migrations or schema changes that temporarily violate foreign-key
 # constraints will fail. To perform such operations, foreign_keys must be
 # temporarily disabled around the migration workflow.
+def _migrate_add_task_authority_column():
+    """Retain snapshots after legacy task-table rebuilds; support all DBs."""
+    from sqlalchemy import inspect
+    with engine.begin() as conn:
+        columns = {column["name"] for column in inspect(conn).get_columns("scheduled_tasks")}
+        if "request_authority_json" not in columns:
+            conn.execute(text("ALTER TABLE scheduled_tasks ADD COLUMN request_authority_json TEXT"))
+
+
 def init_db():
     """
     Initialize the database by creating all tables.
@@ -2412,6 +2422,7 @@ def init_db():
     _migrate_add_oauth_config()
     _migrate_add_email_oauth_columns()
     _migrate_add_task_automation_columns()
+    _migrate_add_task_authority_column()
     _migrate_add_disabled_tools()
     _migrate_add_mcp_oauth_tokens_column()
     _migrate_add_task_v2_columns()
diff --git a/docs/runtime-decomposition/wave-2-request-authority.md b/docs/runtime-decomposition/wave-2-request-authority.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..44a72c350
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/runtime-decomposition/wave-2-request-authority.md
@@ -0,0 +1,248 @@
+# Wave 2: request authority
+
+Base: `d6c3c98c75e03f70c05ebe4058c6fa12e0395f62`, branch
+`feature/runtime-request-authority`. Discovery and this plan precede production
+changes. No later runtime waves are included.
+
+## Discovered call paths
+
+`routes/chat_routes.py` parses mode, toggles, workspace, approval decisions and
+runtime context. User intent can promote Chat to Agent. Owner privileges,
+global disabled tools, compare/incognito and plan restrictions produce
+`ToolPolicy`. Compact/native routes resolve `TurnContract`; regular/full models
+can receive the full enabled schema inventory. The route calls
+`_stream_agent_with_execution_bridge` and `stream_agent_loop`. Detached runs
+retain this generator; reconnecting subscribes to it rather than creating a new
+invocation. Their stream IDs are distinct from journal IDs.
+
+`src/turn_contract.py` classifies request families and selected tools, resolves
+exact safe reads, and filters schema availability. Empty-family routing has a
+legacy core inventory. Warm tools and editor availability may enlarge offers.
+Transcription, OCR and tasks have narrow selection; static web retrieval may
+offer private_browser for fallback. These routing choices are not grants.
+
+`src/agent_loop.py` selects provider/profile transports, parses native or textual
+tool blocks, repairs calls, performs deterministic preflights and retries, and
+calls `src/tool_execution.py:execute_tool_block`. Compact preview uses
+`src/clean_agent_preview.py` but reaches the same dispatcher. The dispatcher
+checks run security, exact approval, contract membership, disabled tools,
+ToolPolicy, owner restrictions and bridges before MCP/dynamic/built-in handlers.
+It forwards policy to dynamic handlers. Legacy loop reconciliation removes
+disabled names found in a contract's offered inventory. This must not erase a
+request-authority denial.
+
+Approvals use `src/tool_approvals.py`. A server record binds tool/content, owner,
+session, workspace, document id/version/digest, origin run and continuation
+state. Consume is destructive; claim is one-use. Task/chat scopes bypass an
+existing run-security gate; they do not define the requested operation classes.
+Approval continuation executes the sealed action in round zero. Denial exits
+the route without execution.
+
+Generic app_api forwards both the internal token and the caller's owner to
+loopback HTTP. Its blocklist does not exclude Chat/skill approval ingress.
+Matching owner/session/input bindings alone therefore cannot distinguish a
+model-produced HTTP decision from a user approval. Those existing ingress
+points need an explicit internal-tool rejection before consuming approval.
+Internal HTTP skill-test task bodies likewise cannot mint fresh authority.
+The same origin rule applies to generic Chat HTTP entry: a loopback generated
+message is not a new trusted user request, even with correct owner attribution.
+Both Chat entry points use the existing non-persistence switch for these
+messages and append explicitly untrusted transient context instead. Later
+referential turns cannot inherit their operation class as prior user intent.
+
+Teacher takeover is queued by the student, then owned by the outer adapter in
+`src/teacher_escalation.py`. It invokes a child loop after the student gate closes
+and forwards policy, contract, workspace and runtime context. The teacher's
+synthetic user message is model context, not a new authority source.
+
+`src/task_scheduler.py:_execute_assistant` composes crew/global restrictions and
+RAG/default shell availability. `_run_agent_loop` supplies task.prompt or a
+synthetic override as a user message, with background provider fallback. Exact
+approval pauses are retired because there is no interactive approver.
+`_execute_action` invokes BUILTIN_ACTIONS directly, with a separate admin gate.
+`src/tools/system.py:do_manage_tasks` and `routes/task/task_routes.py` create/edit
+persisted tasks. No authority snapshot currently survives scheduling.
+
+Detached Bash dispatch launches `bg_jobs.launch` and returns bg_job_id.
+`src/bg_monitor.py:_run_followup` appends an explicitly untrusted result to session
+context and re-enters the loop. It currently forwards neither the originating
+authority nor its request restrictions. Skill tests/audits in
+`routes/skills_routes.py` also invoke the loop with task/user messages; generated
+audit context must not manufacture grants.
+
+| Question | Current source |
+| --- | --- |
+| Requested operation | User intent classifiers, exact safe-read resolver; ultimately parsed/repaired model tool block |
+| Available capabilities | Registry/MCP inventory, profiles, RAG, TurnContract and request-specific schema filters |
+| Authorized capabilities | Fragmented policy, privileges, run security and approval checks; no independent envelope |
+| Restrictions | Route toggles, owner/global policy, plan/compare/incognito, dispatcher owner/workspace checks |
+| Approval required | Deterministic run-security decision; model output can propose the action but cannot consume approval |
+| Approval input scope | Server-sealed exact tool/content and owner/session/workspace/document binding |
+| Nested state | Explicit policy/contract/workspace/context forwarding and journal lineage; no authority snapshot |
+| Model influence | Tool/input proposals, repairs, recovery choices, generated task/audit prompts; availability currently participates in execution gating |
+
+## Implementation plan and contract
+
+1. Add immutable `ExactOperation`, `OperationGrant` and `RequestAuthority` in
+   `src/agent_runtime/authority.py`. Normalize canonical tool identity and JSON
+   inputs (reject duplicate keys/non-finite values); retain exact raw text for
+   Bash/Python, built-in scheduled actions and non-JSON inputs. Grants contain an operation class/tool identity, optional
+   action limits and exact input limits. Authority has its own request id,
+   owner/session/workspace binding, immutable grants and hard denials. It is
+   independent of schema presence, model/profile, stream/journal/receipt IDs.
+2. Create authority from trusted request text/history and deterministic policy
+   at the chat route before availability reconciliation. The general loop
+   boundary creates it for other trusted direct callers, without consulting
+   schemas, relevant_tools, forced_tools or model output. Authority family
+   inheritance reads only trusted user history. Tool-history exact reads may
+   narrow an already admitted class, never create a class. Unknown intent grants
+   no execution floor. Neutral interaction/planning controls remain explicit.
+3. Keep semantic classification and availability in TurnContract. Resolve
+   authority grants separately from those semantic facts and hard policy.
+   Exact safe reads restrict action/identifiers. Static web fallback authorizes
+   browser reading/navigation, not arbitrary click/evaluate/form operations.
+   Media/task families do not inherit the shell inventory.
+4. Bind authority around the whole logical stream, including teacher takeover;
+   forward it explicitly to teacher children and approval records. Children
+   inherit the parent or intersect explicit authority with it. Policy denials
+   union; grants intersect; a child cannot replace the parent scope. Restore
+   the parent on close/error/cancellation. Capture restrictions before legacy
+   offered-tool reconciliation can erase them.
+5. Enforce at `execute_tool_block`, before approvals are claimed or handlers,
+   bridges/MCP/process dispatch begin. Current policy/disabled gates still win.
+   Missing/malformed dispatcher state fails closed. Standalone callers/tests
+   must supply explicit server authority. Journal ownership remains unchanged;
+   denied calls produce no authoritative execution receipt.
+6. Existing approvals remain one-use exact claims. Seal the originating
+   authority in the approval digest. Resumption keeps original class limits and
+   current hard restrictions. The approved exact operation may cross its
+   original class boundary only through the consumed, matching server record
+   at that call; it does not mutate authority for subsequent calls. Nested
+   execution cannot use an approval to exceed its parent ceiling. Existing
+   task/chat UI and run-security scope semantics are unchanged.
+   Chat/skill approval ingress rejects validated internal-tool requests before
+   consumption; identity impersonation is not a user approval decision.
+   A shared HTTP factory admits trusted user requests and produces an empty,
+   policy-restricted envelope for known internal-tool Chat/skill requests.
+7. Persist a server-only authority snapshot and task-input binding on scheduled
+   records. Direct authenticated task ingress can admit its user-supplied task;
+   task creation inside model execution intersects with parent authority.
+   Scheduler overrides, retries and provider fallbacks reuse that snapshot.
+   Missing/stale snapshots grant no tool authority. Newly seeded server-owned
+   housekeeping jobs receive exact snapshots at their static creation point;
+   existing rows are not retrospectively authorized by their names/actions.
+   Internal tool HTTP task payloads cannot become fresh user requests across an
+   ASGI context boundary. Built-in actions receive
+   an exact admission check. Persist detached-job authority in a separate
+   authority sidecar at dispatch; monitor continuations reuse it and current
+   denials. Do not edit bg_jobs/process containment implementation.
+8. Production files: new authority module; routes/chat_routes.py;
+   src/agent_loop.py; src/tool_execution.py; src/teacher_escalation.py;
+   src/tool_approvals.py; core/database.py; routes/task/task_routes.py;
+   src/tools/system.py; src/task_scheduler.py; src/bg_monitor.py;
+   routes/skills_routes.py. Change preview only if direct-entry binding is
+   required by validation. No TurnContract/profile/schema redesign.
+9. Shared hotspots: route/loop/dispatch, approvals and task/database integration.
+   One coordinator writes all production files. Keep changes confined to
+   authority creation, forwarding, persistence and admission. Do not modify
+   containment, provenance/effect classification or egress implementation.
+10. Focused regressions: available schema/bridge/dynamic handler without grants;
+    model-selected unrelated tool/action; explicit class admission; exact read
+    arguments; narrow transcription/OCR/tasks/browser fallback; hard denials
+    despite offered-tool reconciliation; retry/fallback stability; child and
+    teacher non-widening and restoration; malformed/missing state; exact
+    approval mismatch/replay and continuation scope; scheduled snapshot/input
+    binding and synthetic override; detached followup inheritance; journal
+    denial evidence. Preserve existing policy-forwarding and Ajax assertions.
+
+Validation: new focused tests; existing contract/policy/capability/profile
+tests; scripts/validate_runtime_wave1.sh; broad affected runtime tests; full
+pytest; compileall; JS/MJS syntax; diff check and conflict-marker scan. Any
+production edit after full pytest requires affected tests and full pytest again.
+
+## Implemented boundaries and remaining limits
+
+The preview entry also binds authority because it supports direct callers.
+Research task admission binds the snapshot around the researcher, so nested
+execution cannot infer grants from generated research context. LAN lookup
+intent has a narrow host_shell-only admission rule; it adds neither Bash nor
+Python and does not alter Ajax schemas or profiles.
+
+Scheduled loop entry explicitly forwards the restored workspace as well as
+the envelope; rebinding the continuation session never drops confinement to
+the original workspace. Only the actual server Bash launch seals a detached
+job sidecar. A handler/bridge result claiming a job id cannot create one.
+
+Snapshots are trusted server state, stored in the task database and detached
+job authority sidecars. Missing, malformed, changed-input, wrong-owner or
+wrong-session snapshots fail closed. Legacy tasks need a trusted task-input
+save to obtain a snapshot; legacy detached jobs have no execution grants on
+followup. No broad backfill, authority-mode UI, containment, effect/egress or
+receipt/journal redesign is included. Sidecars follow the detached job's server
+storage trust assumptions; retention/integrity hardening is outside this slice.
+
+Class admission deliberately reuses the deterministic semantic classifiers.
+Unrecognized intent has only explicit ask_user/update_plan controls. This can
+deny unsupported phrasing and generated default skill tests/audits; model
+prompts and tool inventory cannot repair that denial. Existing exact approvals
+can admit one sealed root operation, never widen subsequent calls or nested
+authority. They still require the existing armed security context, matching
+bindings, one-use claim, document checks and current hard restrictions.
+
+Standalone dispatcher test fixtures now supply explicit registry grants to
+continue exercising their original handler/policy/confinement assertions.
+New authority tests use the raw dispatcher and prove denial before dispatch.
+
+## File ownership and reasons
+
+| Production file | Wave 2 change |
+| --- | --- |
+| src/agent_runtime/authority.py | Immutable intent/admission/operation API, trusted factory, intersection/context binding, task/job snapshots |
+| routes/chat_routes.py | Capture authority before availability reconciliation; pass it into execution; guard approval ingress |
+| src/agent_loop.py | Bind logical-invocation authority; capture it in approvals and teacher takeover |
+| src/tool_execution.py | Normalize/check operations before dispatch and approval claims; bind handler context; seal actual detached launch |
+| src/teacher_escalation.py | Explicit child/approval inheritance without synthetic-prompt grants |
+| src/tool_approvals.py | Bind immutable originating authority into exact approval digest |
+| src/clean_agent_preview.py | Bind authority at the supported direct preview entry |
+| core/database.py | Add nullable server-only scheduled snapshot column and additive migration |
+| routes/task/task_routes.py | Seal direct user task inputs; deny fresh grants to internal-tool HTTP payloads |
+| src/tools/system.py | Cap model-created/edited task snapshots by active authority |
+| src/task_scheduler.py | Restore original scope/workspace for loops, admit exact built-ins/research, seal new static defaults |
+| src/bg_monitor.py | Restore original detached-job scope and current hard restrictions |
+| routes/skills_routes.py | Separate explicit user task authority from generated/internal skill prompts; guard approval ingress |
+
+Shared hotspots touched: chat routes, agent loop, central dispatcher, preview,
+teacher escalation, approvals, task CRUD/scheduler/system handlers, database,
+background monitor and skill entry routes. All production edits have one writer.
+TurnContract, tool schemas, model profiles, journal/completion foundations,
+bg_jobs/process containment and effect/egress implementations are untouched.
+
+`tests/test_request_authority.py` adds the focused authority regressions.
+`tests/runtime_evidence_helpers.py` adds explicit standalone server fixture
+grants. Original assertions are preserved in these adapted fixture suites:
+
+- tests/test_agent_external_tool_schemas.py
+- tests/test_ask_user_tool.py
+- tests/test_client_tool_routing.py
+- tests/test_edit_file.py
+- tests/test_execution_bridge.py
+- tests/test_external_context_tool_gate.py
+- tests/test_image_creation_routing.py
+- tests/test_review_regressions.py
+- tests/test_runtime_evidence_contract.py
+- tests/test_task_cookbook_admin_gate.py
+- tests/test_task_scheduler_cancel.py
+- tests/test_tool_approvals.py
+- tests/test_tool_path_confinement.py
+- tests/test_tool_policy.py
+- tests/test_turn_contract.py
+- tests/test_turn_contract_integration.py
+- tests/test_update_plan_tool.py
+- tests/test_weather_search_recovery.py
+- tests/test_workspace_confine.py
+
+`website/configuration-reference.md` is regenerated solely to update the
+chat-route environment-read line number. This document records discovery,
+the pre-edit plan, implementation boundaries and file ownership. The validation
+report records final commands/results. No production files in parallel lanes
+are claimed.
diff --git a/docs/runtime-decomposition/wave-2-validation-full.md b/docs/runtime-decomposition/wave-2-validation-full.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..579b12c5a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/runtime-decomposition/wave-2-validation-full.md
@@ -0,0 +1,80 @@
+# Wave 2 final validation
+
+Worktree: `odysseus-runtime-request-authority`; branch:
+`feature/runtime-request-authority`.
+Starting SHA: `d6c3c98c75e03f70c05ebe4058c6fa12e0395f62`.
+The final SHA is the local commit containing this report, returned in the final
+implementation report. No rebase, merge, push or PR was performed.
+
+All results below apply to the final production code. The last production
+changes addressed internal HTTP request/approval origin and transient untrusted
+Chat context. Focused, Wave 1.1, broad runtime and full pytest were rerun after
+those changes. Subsequent edits only recorded results and removed temporary
+validation logs.
+
+| Gate | Final result |
+| --- | --- |
+| New Wave 2 authority tests | 58 passed, 1 warning; 1.23s |
+| Relevant contract/policy/approval/capability/Ajax/task/background tests | 1500 passed, 28 skipped, 1 warning; 30.55s |
+| Wave 1.1 validation script | 2292 passed, 1 warning; 65.75s |
+| Broad affected runtime suite | 3079 passed, 28 skipped, 1 warning; 92.83s |
+| Full pytest | 11644 passed, 54 skipped, 2 xfailed, 182 warnings, 6 subtests passed; 444.40s |
+| Python compileall | Passed |
+| JS/MJS syntax | Passed for all 361 tracked files |
+| Git whitespace gate | Passed |
+| Conflict-marker scan | Passed |
+
+The existing release smoke hook skipped because `APP_PORT` was unset; no live
+instance was driven. Full pytest includes its existing skips and expected
+failures. Warnings are retained in the local raw log. Missing development test
+dependencies and Playwright Chromium were installed locally, without changing
+project dependency declarations. No global dotenv-disable override was used.
+
+## Commands
+
+```sh
+ODYSSEUS_TEST_STATIC_PORT=0 .venv/bin/python -m pytest -q tests/test_request_authority.py
+
+ODYSSEUS_TEST_STATIC_PORT=0 .venv/bin/python -m pytest -q tests/test_request_authority.py tests/test_turn_contract*.py tests/test_tool_policy.py tests/test_tool_approval*.py tests/test_execution_capabilities.py tests/test_ajax*.py tests/test_task_*.py tests/test_bg_*.py
+
+ODYSSEUS_TEST_PYTHON="$PWD/.venv/bin/python" bash scripts/validate_runtime_wave1.sh
+
+ODYSSEUS_TEST_STATIC_PORT=0 .venv/bin/python -m pytest -q tests/test_request_authority.py tests/test_agent_*.py tests/test_turn_contract*.py tests/test_tool_policy.py tests/test_tool_approval*.py tests/test_task_*.py tests/test_bg_*.py tests/test_*completion*.py tests/test_foreground_model_routing.py tests/test_client_tool_routing.py tests/test_workspace_confine.py tests/test_product_turn_contract_route.py tests/test_execution_bridge.py tests/test_execution_capabilities.py tests/test_ajax*.py tests/test_external_context_tool_gate.py tests/test_tool_path_confinement.py tests/test_edit_file.py tests/test_runtime_evidence_contract.py tests/test_review_regressions.py tests/test_image_creation_routing.py tests/test_ask_user_tool.py tests/test_update_plan_tool.py tests/test_weather_search_recovery.py tests/test_clean_agent_preview.py tests/test_skill_audit*.py tests/test_preview_execution_evidence.py
+
+ODYSSEUS_TEST_STATIC_PORT=0 .venv/bin/python -m pytest -q
+
+.venv/bin/python -m compileall -q -x '(^|/)(\.venv|\.git|node_modules|data|logs|uploads)/' .
+git ls-files -z '*.js' '*.mjs' | xargs -0 -n 1 node --check
+git diff --check
+# Staged whitespace check used --cached --check with all 37 changed paths explicit.
+git grep --cached -l -E '^(<<<<<<< |=======$|>>>>>>> )' -- '*.py' '*.js' '*.mjs' '*.html' '*.css' '*.json' '*.md' '*.sh'
+```
+
+Conflict-marker grep returns exit 1 with no matches on success.
+The context firewall rejected the unbounded staged whitespace command before
+execution; the exact-path check passed. No admitted source inspection was
+blocked by staging.
+Local raw validation outputs are archived under the ignored
+`.venv/wave2-validation/` directory; they are not committed.
+
+## Regression scope and limits
+
+The 58 authority tests cover schema/handler/model-selection non-authority,
+narrow media/tasks/browser behavior, exact reads, deterministic grants, hard
+denials, malformed/missing state, retry and nested inheritance, teacher
+forwarding, exact approval scope/replay/digest, scheduled input sealing and
+workspace restoration, detached followups and actual-launch-only sealing,
+internal HTTP origin, untrusted Chat persistence, and denied-call journal
+completion evidence. Existing fixture assertions remain intact; standalone
+dispatch fixtures now provide explicit server authority.
+
+Remaining limits: class admission uses deterministic request classifiers and
+can reject unsupported phrasing; legacy task/job snapshots fail closed until
+trusted resealing; snapshots assume trusted server database/job storage;
+sidecar retention hardening is deferred. Existing approvals can admit one exact
+root operation without granting subsequent or nested operations.
+
+No Wave 3, 3-S, 4, 5 or 6 work was started. No containment, effect/egress,
+provenance, authority-mode UI, journal or completion-foundation redesign is
+included. File ownership and the discovery/implementation contract are recorded
+in [wave-2-request-authority.md](wave-2-request-authority.md).
diff --git a/routes/chat_routes.py b/routes/chat_routes.py
index 967e36b16..09596ccbc 100644
--- a/routes/chat_routes.py
+++ b/routes/chat_routes.py
@@ -86,6 +86,7 @@ from src.model_profiles import (
     tool_schema_profile,
 )
 from src.tool_execution import AgentExecutionBridge, bind_execution_bridge
+from src.agent_runtime.authority import is_internal_tool_request, request_authority_for_http
 from src.turn_contract import (
     FAMILY_TOOLS, bind_turn_contract, preserve_bound_editor_selected_tools,
     requested_capabilities, resolve_turn_contract,
@@ -95,6 +96,15 @@ from src.turn_contract import (
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
+
+def _append_internal_chat_context(ctx, message):
+    tagged = untrusted_context_message("internal tool request", message)
+    ctx.messages.append(tagged)
+    routed = getattr(ctx, "route_messages", None)
+    if routed is not None and routed is not ctx.messages:
+        routed.append(tagged)
+
+
 # Track active streams for partial-save safety net
 _active_streams: Dict[str, dict] = {}
 
@@ -2196,7 +2206,10 @@ def setup_chat_routes(
             webhook_manager=webhook_manager,
             allow_tool_preprocessing=allow_tool_preprocessing,
             defer_context_shaping=foreground_policy.enabled,
+            persist_user_message=not is_internal_tool_request(request),
         )
+        if is_internal_tool_request(request):
+            _append_internal_chat_context(ctx, message)
 
         # Research injection
         research_blocked_by_policy = (
@@ -2648,6 +2661,8 @@ def setup_chat_routes(
             )
             owner = effective_user(request)
             if tool_approval_id:
+                from src.agent_runtime.authority import require_user_approval_request
+                require_user_approval_request(request)
                 pending_tool_approval = tool_approval_store.peek(tool_approval_id)
                 normalized_owner = str(owner or "").strip().casefold()
                 if (
@@ -2907,10 +2922,12 @@ def setup_chat_routes(
                 and pending_tool_approval.continuation_query
                 else None
             ),
-            persist_user_message=not tool_approval_continuation,
+            persist_user_message=not tool_approval_continuation and not is_internal_tool_request(request),
             interaction_mode=chat_mode,
             auto_escalated=auto_escalated,
         )
+        if is_internal_tool_request(request):
+            _append_internal_chat_context(ctx, message)
 
         _research_flags = {"do": do_research}  # Mutable container for generator scope
 
@@ -3349,6 +3366,24 @@ def setup_chat_routes(
                 "manage_documents", "create_document", "edit_document", "update_document",
             }.issubset(disabled_tools),
         }
+        # Capture permission state before schema selection/reconciliation.
+        # Only deterministic request intent supplies grants, never inventory.
+        _request_authority = request_authority_for_http(
+            request, message, owner=_user, session_id=session, workspace=workspace,
+            history=_turn_history, policy=tool_policy,
+            active_document=bool(active_doc),
+            image_attachment=any(str(a.get('mime') or '').startswith('image/')
+                                 for a in (ctx.preprocessed.attachment_meta or [])),
+            capabilities=({'search_browser'} if (
+                _explicit_browser_intent or _external_discovery_intent
+            ) else ()),
+        )
+        if exact_tool_approval is not None:
+            from src.agent_runtime.authority import RequestAuthority
+            _request_authority = (
+                exact_tool_approval.pending.request_authority
+                or RequestAuthority.empty(owner=_user, session_id=session, workspace=workspace)
+            ).restrict(tool_policy)
         _turn_contract = None
         # Image models execute directly, not through the text-agent inventory.
         # Keep the permission policy above, but do not apply routing omissions
@@ -3477,6 +3512,7 @@ def setup_chat_routes(
                 warm_tools=_warm_tools,
                 message=message, history=getattr(sess, "history", []) or [],
             )
+            _request_authority = _request_authority.restrict(_contract_policy)
             # Resolution already applies user, owner, and global policy. An
             # admitted tool must not later be rejected by the stale
             # pre-contract disabled snapshot during execution.
@@ -4415,6 +4451,7 @@ def setup_chat_routes(
                         cwd=_agent_turn_cwd(sess, client_runtime_context),
                         forced_tools=_forced_tools,
                         turn_contract=_turn_contract,
+                        request_authority=_request_authority,
                         uploaded_files=ctx.uploaded_files,
                         defer_context_shaping=_foreground_policy.enabled,
                         external_untrusted_context_seen=external_untrusted_context_seen,
diff --git a/routes/skills_routes.py b/routes/skills_routes.py
index ef5f65047..ec5a49876 100644
--- a/routes/skills_routes.py
+++ b/routes/skills_routes.py
@@ -534,11 +534,13 @@ async def _run_skill_test_job(
     messages=None,
     transcript=None,
     exact_approval=None,
+    request_authority=None,
 ):
     """Background coroutine: run the skill in an agent loop, capture a condensed
     log + transcript, then have the judge grade it. Writes into _skill_test_jobs."""
     import json as _json
     from src.agent_loop import stream_agent_loop
+    from src.agent_runtime.authority import RequestAuthority
 
     job = _skill_test_jobs.get(key)
     if job is None:
@@ -559,6 +561,9 @@ async def _run_skill_test_job(
             url, model, messages, headers=headers,
             temperature=0.3, max_tokens=0, max_rounds=8, owner=owner,
             exact_approval=exact_approval,
+            request_authority=(request_authority or (
+                exact_approval.pending.request_authority if exact_approval is not None else None
+            ) or RequestAuthority.empty(owner=owner)),
         ):
             if not chunk.startswith("data: ") or chunk.strip() == "data: [DONE]":
                 continue
@@ -1039,6 +1044,7 @@ async def _run_skill_audit_arm(messages: list[dict], url, model, headers, owner,
     """Run one audit arm in the agent loop; return transcript, stats, approval."""
     import json as _json
     from src.agent_loop import stream_agent_loop
+    from src.agent_runtime.authority import RequestAuthority, active_request_authority
     transcript = []
     approval_required = None
     stats = {"turns": 0, "tool_calls": 0}
@@ -1051,6 +1057,7 @@ async def _run_skill_audit_arm(messages: list[dict], url, model, headers, owner,
             url, model, messages, headers=headers,
             temperature=0.3, max_tokens=4096, max_rounds=8,
             owner=owner, workload=workload, suppress_skills=True,
+            request_authority=(active_request_authority() or RequestAuthority.empty(owner=owner)),
         ):
             # Streams can include an SSE event line before the data line,
             # notably `event: error`. Do not silently discard those failures.
@@ -2001,6 +2008,9 @@ def setup_skills_routes(skills_manager: SkillsManager) -> APIRouter:
         user = _owner(request)
         body = await request.json()
         task = (body.get("task") or "").strip()
+        from src.agent_runtime.authority import RequestAuthority, request_authority_for_http
+        request_authority = (request_authority_for_http(request, task, owner=user)
+                             if task else RequestAuthority.empty(owner=user))
 
         skills = skills_manager.load(owner=user)
         match = next((s for s in skills if s.get("name") == skill_id or s.get("id") == skill_id), None)
@@ -2064,9 +2074,12 @@ def setup_skills_routes(skills_manager: SkillsManager) -> APIRouter:
                 "model": model,
                 "headers": headers,
                 "owner": user,
+                "request_authority": request_authority,
             },
         }
-        _asyncio.create_task(_run_skill_test_job(key, name, md, task, url, model, headers, user, skills_manager))
+        _asyncio.create_task(_run_skill_test_job(
+            key, name, md, task, url, model, headers, user, skills_manager,
+            request_authority=request_authority))
         return {"ok": True, "status": "running", "skill": name, "model": model}
 
     @router.post("/{skill_id}/test-approval")
@@ -2074,6 +2087,8 @@ def setup_skills_routes(skills_manager: SkillsManager) -> APIRouter:
         """Resume a manual skill test with one exact server-sealed action."""
         import asyncio as _asyncio
         from src.tool_approvals import tool_approval_store
+        from src.agent_runtime.authority import require_user_approval_request
+        require_user_approval_request(request)
 
         user = _owner(request)
         skills = skills_manager.load(owner=user)
diff --git a/routes/task/task_routes.py b/routes/task/task_routes.py
index c19e73ac9..0749cb548 100644
--- a/routes/task/task_routes.py
+++ b/routes/task/task_routes.py
@@ -25,6 +25,14 @@ from routes.prefs_routes import _load_for_user, _save_for_user
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
 
+def _seal_request_task_authority(request, prompt, task_type, action, owner):
+    from src.agent_runtime.authority import MISSING_AUTHORITY, is_internal_tool_request, seal_task_authority
+    # A tool HTTP call starts another ASGI context. Its model-produced body is
+    # not a fresh user request, even though the internal token authenticates it.
+    parent = None if is_internal_tool_request(request) else MISSING_AUTHORITY
+    return seal_task_authority(prompt, task_type, action, owner=owner, parent_authority=parent)
+
+
 def _maybe_cascade_calendar_event(task) -> None:
     """Delete the linked calendar event when a cookbook_serve task is
     removed. Two lookup strategies:
@@ -530,6 +538,8 @@ def setup_task_routes(task_scheduler) -> APIRouter:
                 owner=user,
                 name=name,
                 prompt=req.prompt,
+                request_authority_json=_seal_request_task_authority(
+                    request, req.prompt, req.task_type, req.action, user),
                 task_type=req.task_type,
                 action=req.action,
                 schedule=req.schedule,
@@ -737,6 +747,9 @@ def setup_task_routes(task_scheduler) -> APIRouter:
                 task.task_type = req.task_type
             if req.action is not None:
                 task.action = req.action
+            if any(value is not None for value in (req.prompt, req.task_type, req.action)):
+                task.request_authority_json = _seal_request_task_authority(
+                    request, task.prompt, task.task_type, task.action, user)
             if req.output_target is not None:
                 task.output_target = req.output_target
             if req.model is not None:
diff --git a/src/agent_loop.py b/src/agent_loop.py
index 988b454f0..5de35898a 100644
--- a/src/agent_loop.py
+++ b/src/agent_loop.py
@@ -20375,6 +20375,10 @@ def _blocks_before_inference(turn_contract) -> bool:
     )
 
 
+from src.agent_runtime.authority import MISSING_AUTHORITY, active_request_authority, with_request_authority
+
+
+@with_request_authority
 @with_turn_contract
 @with_teacher_takeover
 @with_completion_gate
@@ -20420,6 +20424,7 @@ async def stream_agent_loop(
     suppress_skills: bool = False,
     reasoning_effort: Optional[str] = None,
     _parent_run_id: Optional[str] = None,
+    request_authority=MISSING_AUTHORITY,
 ) -> AsyncGenerator[str, None]:
     """Streaming agent loop generator.
 
@@ -32758,6 +32763,7 @@ async def stream_agent_loop(
                             block.tool_type, block.content
                         ),
                         request_text=_last_user,
+                        request_authority=active_request_authority(),
                     )
                     desc = f"{block.tool_type}: APPROVAL REQUIRED"
                     result = {
@@ -37372,6 +37378,7 @@ async def stream_agent_loop(
             active_document=active_document,
             active_email=active_email,
             turn_contract=turn_contract,
+            request_authority=active_request_authority(),
             external_untrusted_context_seen=run_security.external_untrusted_context_seen,
             client_runtime_context=client_runtime_context,
             plan_mode=plan_mode,
diff --git a/src/agent_runtime/authority.py b/src/agent_runtime/authority.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..ef8552903
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/agent_runtime/authority.py
@@ -0,0 +1,433 @@
+"""Server-owned request admission, independent of model tool availability."""
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from contextlib import aclosing, contextmanager
+from contextvars import ContextVar
+from dataclasses import dataclass, replace
+from functools import wraps
+from inspect import signature
+import json
+from pathlib import Path
+import re
+from uuid import uuid4
+
+from src.tool_policy import ToolPolicy, build_effective_tool_policy
+from src.turn_contract import (
+    FAMILY_TOOLS, canonical_tool, requested_capabilities,
+    RequiredReadOperation, required_read_operation_for_request, selected_tools_for_request,
+)
+
+
+def _owner(value):
+    return str(value or "").strip().casefold()
+
+
+def _pairs(pairs):
+    result = {}
+    for key, value in pairs:
+        if key in result:
+            raise ValueError("Duplicate operation argument")
+        result[key] = value
+    return result
+
+
+def _invalid_constant(value):
+    raise ValueError("Non-finite operation argument")
+
+
+def _json(value):
+    return json.dumps(value, sort_keys=True, separators=(",", ":"), allow_nan=False)
+
+
+@dataclass(frozen=True)
+class ExactOperation:
+    tool: str
+    input: str
+    action: str | None = None
+    transport_tool: str = ""
+
+    @classmethod
+    def normalize(cls, tool, content):
+        if not isinstance(tool, str) or not tool.strip() or not isinstance(content, str):
+            raise ValueError("Operation requires a tool name and string input")
+        transport_tool = tool.strip()
+        tool = canonical_tool(transport_tool)
+        normalized = content
+        payload = None
+        raw_input = tool in {"bash", "python"} or tool.startswith("scheduled__")
+        if not raw_input and content.lstrip().startswith("{"):
+            payload = json.loads(content, object_pairs_hook=_pairs, parse_constant=_invalid_constant)
+            if not isinstance(payload, dict):
+                raise ValueError("Structured tool input must be an object")
+            normalized = _json(payload)
+        # Reuse the runtime's existing multiplexed-action normalization; this
+        # classifies input and never grants permission or changes the input.
+        from src.tool_capabilities import _action_from_content
+        action = _action_from_content(tool, content)
+        if tool == "private_browser" and isinstance(payload, dict):
+            action = payload.get("action")
+            if action is not None and not isinstance(action, str):
+                raise ValueError("Browser action must be a string")
+            action = action.strip().casefold() if action else None
+        return cls(tool, normalized, action, transport_tool)
+
+
+@dataclass(frozen=True)
+class OperationGrant:
+    tool: str
+    actions: frozenset[str] | None = None
+    inputs: frozenset[str] | None = None
+
+    def __post_init__(self):
+        if not isinstance(self.tool, str) or not self.tool or canonical_tool(self.tool) != self.tool:
+            raise ValueError("Grant requires a canonical tool identity")
+        for values in (self.actions, self.inputs):
+            if values is not None and (not isinstance(values, frozenset)
+                                      or any(not isinstance(v, str) for v in values)):
+                raise TypeError("Grant limits must be immutable string sets")
+
+    def permits(self, operation):
+        return (self.tool == operation.tool
+                and (self.actions is None or operation.action in self.actions)
+                and (self.inputs is None or operation.input in self.inputs))
+
+    def intersect(self, other):
+        if self.tool != other.tool:
+            raise ValueError("Cannot intersect different operation classes")
+        def limits(left, right):
+            return right if left is None else left if right is None else left & right
+        return OperationGrant(self.tool, limits(self.actions, other.actions),
+                              limits(self.inputs, other.inputs))
+
+
+@dataclass(frozen=True)
+class RequestAuthority:
+    request_id: str
+    owner: str
+    session_id: str
+    workspace: str
+    grants: tuple[OperationGrant, ...] = ()
+    denied: frozenset[str] = frozenset()
+    block_all: bool = False
+    disable_mcp: bool = False
+    inherited: bool = False
+
+    def __post_init__(self):
+        if (not isinstance(self.request_id, str) or not self.request_id
+                or any(not isinstance(v, str) for v in (self.owner, self.session_id, self.workspace))
+                or not isinstance(self.grants, tuple)
+                or any(not isinstance(g, OperationGrant) for g in self.grants)
+                or len({g.tool for g in self.grants}) != len(self.grants)
+                or not isinstance(self.denied, frozenset)
+                or any(not isinstance(n, str) or canonical_tool(n) != n for n in self.denied)
+                or any(type(v) is not bool for v in (self.block_all, self.disable_mcp, self.inherited))):
+            raise ValueError("Malformed request authority")
+
+    @classmethod
+    def empty(cls, *, owner=None, session_id=None, workspace=None):
+        return cls(uuid4().hex, _owner(owner), str(session_id or ""), str(workspace or ""))
+
+    def bound_to(self, *, owner=None, session_id=None, workspace=None):
+        return (self.owner == _owner(owner) and self.session_id == str(session_id or "")
+                and self.workspace == str(workspace or ""))
+
+    def restricted(self, operation):
+        return (self.block_all or operation.tool in self.denied
+                or (self.disable_mcp and (operation.tool.startswith("mcp__")
+                                         or operation.transport_tool.startswith("mcp__"))))
+
+    def permits(self, operation):
+        return not self.restricted(operation) and any(g.permits(operation) for g in self.grants)
+
+    def restrict(self, policy=None, disabled_tools=()):
+        policy = policy or ToolPolicy()
+        return replace(self, denied=self.denied | frozenset(
+            canonical_tool(n) for n in set(disabled_tools or ()) | policy.all_disabled_names()),
+            block_all=self.block_all or policy.block_all_tool_calls,
+            disable_mcp=self.disable_mcp or policy.disable_mcp)
+
+    def intersect(self, child):
+        if not isinstance(child, RequestAuthority):
+            raise TypeError("Child authority must be server-owned RequestAuthority")
+        grants = []
+        if (self.owner, self.session_id, self.workspace) == (child.owner, child.session_id, child.workspace):
+            theirs = {g.tool: g for g in child.grants}
+            grants = [g.intersect(theirs[g.tool]) for g in self.grants if g.tool in theirs]
+        return replace(self, grants=tuple(grants), denied=self.denied | child.denied,
+                       block_all=self.block_all or child.block_all,
+                       disable_mcp=self.disable_mcp or child.disable_mcp, inherited=True)
+
+    def continuation(self, *, owner=None, session_id=None):
+        """A server continuation may rebind a session, never change owner/grants."""
+        if self.owner != _owner(owner):
+            return RequestAuthority.empty(owner=owner, session_id=session_id)
+        return replace(self, session_id=str(session_id or ""), inherited=True)
+
+    def to_dict(self):
+        return {"version": 1, "request_id": self.request_id, "owner": self.owner,
+                "session_id": self.session_id, "workspace": self.workspace,
+                "grants": [{"tool": g.tool,
+                            "actions": None if g.actions is None else sorted(g.actions),
+                            "inputs": None if g.inputs is None else sorted(g.inputs)} for g in self.grants],
+                "denied": sorted(self.denied), "block_all": self.block_all,
+                "disable_mcp": self.disable_mcp, "inherited": self.inherited}
+
+    @classmethod
+    def from_dict(cls, value):
+        if (not isinstance(value, dict) or type(value.get("version")) is not int
+                or value["version"] != 1):
+            raise ValueError("Unsupported authority snapshot")
+        def limits(value):
+            if value is None:
+                return None
+            if not isinstance(value, list) or any(not isinstance(v, str) for v in value):
+                raise ValueError("Malformed authority limits")
+            return frozenset(value)
+        return cls(value["request_id"], value["owner"], value["session_id"], value["workspace"],
+                   tuple(OperationGrant(g["tool"], limits(g["actions"]), limits(g["inputs"]))
+                         for g in value["grants"]), limits(value["denied"]),
+                   value["block_all"], value["disable_mcp"], value["inherited"])
+
+
+_BROWSER_READ_ACTIONS = frozenset({"open", "navigate", "snapshot", "text", "read", "find",
+    "screenshot", "scroll", "back", "forward", "wait", "status", "close", "tabs"})
+
+
+@dataclass(frozen=True)
+class SemanticIntent:
+    """Routing facts, with no execution permission or provider inventory."""
+    capabilities: frozenset[str]
+    selected_tools: frozenset[str] | None
+    required_read: RequiredReadOperation | None
+
+
+def interpret_request(request_text, *, history=(), workspace=None, active_document=False,
+                      image_attachment=False):
+    if not isinstance(request_text, str):
+        raise TypeError("Intent requires request text")
+    # Routing may use model/tool history. Admission may only inherit intent
+    # from trusted user requests; a model's proposal or attempted tool call
+    # cannot establish a new authorized operation class.
+    history = tuple(history or ())
+    trusted_history = []
+    for row in history:
+        get = row.get if isinstance(row, dict) else lambda key, default=None: getattr(row, key, default)
+        metadata = get("metadata") or {}
+        if isinstance(metadata, str):
+            try:
+                metadata = json.loads(metadata)
+            except ValueError:
+                metadata = {}
+        if (get("role") == "user" and isinstance(metadata, dict)
+                and metadata.get("trusted") is not False and not metadata.get("tool_gate_untrusted")):
+            trusted_history.append({"role": "user", "content": get("content", "")})
+    families = requested_capabilities(request_text, trusted_history,
+        active_document=active_document, workspace=bool(workspace), image_attachment=image_attachment)
+    selected = selected_tools_for_request(request_text)
+    if (families <= {"unknown"} and selected is None
+            and re.search(r"\b(?:lan|local\s+(?:network|ip)|tailscale|arp|ip\s+route|default\s+route|subnet|network\s+interface|neighbor\s+table|wifi|ethernet)\b", request_text, re.I)
+            and re.search(r"\b(?:find|check|inspect|show|list|lookup|locate)\b", request_text, re.I)
+            and not re.search(r"\b(?:web|internet|online)\b", request_text, re.I)):
+        # An explicit local-network lookup is a host operation. The existing
+        # router already chooses host_shell; neither its schema nor bridge
+        # availability grants Bash/Python alongside this request.
+        return SemanticIntent(frozenset({"shell_files"}), frozenset({"host_shell"}), None)
+    return SemanticIntent(families, selected, required_read_operation_for_request(request_text, history))
+
+
+def create_request_authority(request_text, *, owner=None, session_id=None, workspace=None,
+                             history=(), policy=None, active_document=False,
+                             image_attachment=False, capabilities=None):
+    """Deterministic server policy over semantic facts, never schema inventory."""
+    if not isinstance(request_text, str):
+        raise TypeError("Authority requires trusted request text")
+    intent = interpret_request(request_text, history=history, active_document=active_document,
+                               workspace=workspace, image_attachment=image_attachment)
+    families = intent.capabilities
+    if capabilities is not None:
+        families |= frozenset(capabilities)
+    tools = set().union(*(FAMILY_TOOLS.get(f, ()) for f in families))
+    selected = intent.selected_tools
+    if selected is not None:
+        tools = tools & set(selected) if families else set(selected)
+        if tools & {"web_search", "web_fetch"}:
+            tools.add("private_browser")
+    operation = intent.required_read
+    if operation is not None and canonical_tool(operation.tool) in {canonical_tool(n) for n in tools}:
+        tools = {canonical_tool(operation.tool)}
+    else:
+        operation = None
+    grants = []
+    for name in sorted(tools | {"ask_user", "update_plan"}):
+        name = canonical_tool(name)
+        actions = inputs = None
+        if name == "private_browser":
+            actions = _BROWSER_READ_ACTIONS
+            # Explicit interaction intent admits its operation class. A
+            # browser offered only as static-Web fallback gets no such grant.
+            if re.search(r"\b(?:browser|browse|private_browser)\b", request_text, re.I):
+                actions |= frozenset(action for action in ("click", "fill", "type", "press", "evaluate", "select")
+                                     if re.search(r"\b" + action + r"\b", request_text, re.I))
+        if operation is not None and name == canonical_tool(operation.tool):
+            inputs = frozenset({ExactOperation.normalize(name, _json(dict(operation.args))).input})
+        grants.append(OperationGrant(name, actions, inputs))
+    authority = RequestAuthority(uuid4().hex, _owner(owner), str(session_id or ""),
+                                 str(workspace or ""), tuple(grants))
+    return authority.restrict(policy or build_effective_tool_policy(last_user_message=request_text))
+
+
+_ACTIVE: ContextVar[RequestAuthority | None] = ContextVar("request_authority", default=None)
+MISSING_AUTHORITY = object()
+
+
+def active_request_authority():
+    return _ACTIVE.get()
+
+
+def is_internal_tool_request(request):
+    """HTTP authentication/owner attribution does not make a tool payload user intent."""
+    from core.middleware import INTERNAL_TOOL_HEADER, INTERNAL_TOOL_TOKEN
+    return (request.headers.get(INTERNAL_TOOL_HEADER) == INTERNAL_TOOL_TOKEN
+            or getattr(request.state, "current_user", None) == "internal-tool")
+
+
+def require_user_approval_request(request):
+    if is_internal_tool_request(request):
+        from fastapi import HTTPException
+        raise HTTPException(403, "Tool requests cannot submit user approval decisions.")
+
+
+def request_authority_for_http(request, request_text, **context):
+    """Known tool loopback is a continuation, never a fresh user grant source."""
+    if is_internal_tool_request(request):
+        return RequestAuthority.empty(owner=context.get("owner"),
+            session_id=context.get("session_id"), workspace=context.get("workspace")).restrict(context.get("policy"))
+    return create_request_authority(request_text, **context)
+
+
+@contextmanager
+def bind_request_authority(authority):
+    if not isinstance(authority, RequestAuthority):
+        raise TypeError("Authority must be server-owned RequestAuthority")
+    parent = _ACTIVE.get()
+    authority = parent.intersect(authority) if parent is not None else authority
+    token = _ACTIVE.set(authority)
+    try:
+        yield authority
+    finally:
+        _ACTIVE.reset(token)
+
+
+def _request_text(messages):
+    for message in reversed(messages or ()):
+        metadata = message.get("metadata") or {}
+        if (message.get("role") != "user" or metadata.get("trusted") is False
+                or metadata.get("tool_gate_untrusted")):
+            continue
+        content = message.get("content", "")
+        if isinstance(content, str):
+            return content
+        if isinstance(content, list):
+            return "\n".join(p.get("text", "") for p in content
+                             if isinstance(p, dict) and p.get("type") == "text")
+    return ""
+
+
+def with_request_authority(func):
+    """Bind once per invocation; model rounds/fallbacks never recreate grants."""
+    call_signature = signature(func)
+    @wraps(func)
+    async def wrapped(*args, **kwargs):
+        bound = call_signature.bind(*args, **kwargs)
+        bound.apply_defaults()
+        parameters = bound.arguments
+        parent = active_request_authority()
+        authority = parameters.get("request_authority", MISSING_AUTHORITY)
+        if authority is MISSING_AUTHORITY:
+            approval = parameters.get("exact_approval")
+            if parent is not None:
+                authority = parent
+            elif approval is not None:
+                authority = approval.pending.request_authority or RequestAuthority.empty(
+                    owner=parameters.get("owner"), session_id=parameters.get("session_id"),
+                    workspace=parameters.get("workspace"))
+            elif (parameters.get("_parent_run_id") or parameters.get("_is_teacher_run")
+                  or parameters.get("workload") == "background"):
+                authority = RequestAuthority.empty(owner=parameters.get("owner"),
+                    session_id=parameters.get("session_id"), workspace=parameters.get("workspace"))
+            else:
+                authority = create_request_authority(_request_text(parameters.get("messages")),
+                    owner=parameters.get("owner"), session_id=parameters.get("session_id"),
+                    workspace=parameters.get("workspace"),
+                    history=getattr(parameters.get("history_session"), "history", ()) or (),
+                    active_document=bool(parameters.get("active_document")))
+        if not isinstance(authority, RequestAuthority):
+            raise TypeError("Missing or malformed server request authority")
+        if parent is None and parameters.get("exact_approval") is not None:
+            authority = replace(authority, inherited=False)
+        authority = authority.restrict(parameters.get("tool_policy"), parameters.get("disabled_tools"))
+        with bind_request_authority(authority) as effective:
+            if "request_authority" in parameters:
+                parameters["request_authority"] = effective
+            async with aclosing(func(*bound.args, **bound.kwargs)) as stream:
+                async for chunk in stream:
+                    yield chunk
+    return wrapped
+
+
+def task_operation(task_type, action, prompt):
+    if task_type == "action":
+        tool = ("bash" if action in {"run_local", "run_script", "ssh_command"}
+                else "serve_model" if action == "cookbook_serve" else "scheduled__" + str(action))
+        return ExactOperation.normalize(tool, str(prompt or ""))
+    if task_type == "research":
+        return ExactOperation.normalize("trigger_research", str(prompt or ""))
+    return None
+
+
+def seal_task_authority(prompt, task_type, action, *, owner=None, parent_authority=MISSING_AUTHORITY):
+    """Only direct ingress grants; a model-created task is capped by its parent."""
+    operation = task_operation(task_type, action, prompt)
+    authority = create_request_authority(str(prompt or ""), owner=owner)
+    if operation is not None:
+        authority = replace(authority, grants=(OperationGrant(operation.tool,
+            inputs=frozenset({operation.input})),))
+    parent = active_request_authority() if parent_authority is MISSING_AUTHORITY else parent_authority
+    if parent_authority is None:
+        parent = RequestAuthority.empty(owner=owner)
+    if parent is not None:
+        authority = parent.intersect(replace(authority, session_id=parent.session_id,
+                                            workspace=parent.workspace))
+    return _json({"task_input": [prompt, task_type, action], "authority": authority.to_dict()})
+
+
+def restore_task_authority(snapshot, prompt, task_type, action, *, owner=None, session_id=None):
+    try:
+        value = json.loads(snapshot)
+        if value["task_input"] != [prompt, task_type, action]:
+            raise ValueError("Scheduled request changed")
+        return RequestAuthority.from_dict(value["authority"]).continuation(owner=owner, session_id=session_id)
+    except (ValueError, TypeError, KeyError, AttributeError):
+        return RequestAuthority.empty(owner=owner, session_id=session_id)
+
+
+def _background_path(job_id):
+    if not isinstance(job_id, str) or not re.fullmatch(r"[A-Za-z0-9_-]+", job_id):
+        raise ValueError("Invalid background authority identity")
+    from src.constants import BG_JOBS_DIR
+    return Path(BG_JOBS_DIR) / (job_id + ".authority.json")
+
+
+def save_background_authority(job_id, authority):
+    from core.atomic_io import atomic_write_json
+    atomic_write_json(_background_path(job_id), authority.to_dict())
+
+
+def restore_background_authority(job_id, *, owner=None, session_id=None):
+    try:
+        authority = RequestAuthority.from_dict(json.loads(_background_path(job_id).read_text()))
+        if authority.session_id != str(session_id or ""):
+            raise ValueError("Background session changed")
+        return authority.continuation(owner=owner, session_id=session_id)
+    except (OSError, ValueError, TypeError, KeyError, AttributeError):
+        return RequestAuthority.empty(owner=owner, session_id=session_id)
diff --git a/src/bg_monitor.py b/src/bg_monitor.py
index 2c17c3a1b..086faae19 100644
--- a/src/bg_monitor.py
+++ b/src/bg_monitor.py
@@ -36,11 +36,12 @@ def _background_result_message(rec):
     return untrusted_context_message("background job output", inject)
 
 
-async def _drain_agent(sess, messages):
+async def _drain_agent(sess, messages, request_authority=None):
     """Run the agent loop headless against a session. Returns
     (final_prose, tool_events) — tool_events in the same shape the live chat
     saves, so the frontend rebuilds them as standard agent-thread tool cards."""
     from src.agent_loop import stream_agent_loop
+    from src.agent_runtime.authority import RequestAuthority
     full = ""
     final_replaced = False
     tool_events = []
@@ -52,6 +53,9 @@ async def _drain_agent(sess, messages):
         session_id=sess.id,
         max_rounds=_FOLLOWUP_MAX_ROUNDS,
         owner=getattr(sess, "owner", None),
+        workspace=request_authority.workspace or None if request_authority is not None else None,
+        request_authority=(request_authority or RequestAuthority.empty(
+            owner=getattr(sess, "owner", None), session_id=sess.id)),
     ):
         if not chunk.startswith("data: "):
             continue
@@ -132,7 +136,12 @@ async def _run_followup(rec: dict) -> bool:
     context = sess.get_context_messages()
     context.append(_background_result_message(rec))
 
-    full, tool_events = await _drain_agent(sess, context)
+    from src.agent_runtime.authority import restore_background_authority
+    from src.settings import get_setting
+    authority = restore_background_authority(
+        rec["id"], owner=getattr(sess, "owner", None), session_id=sess.id)
+    authority = authority.restrict(disabled_tools=get_setting("disabled_tools", []) or ())
+    full, tool_events = await _drain_agent(sess, context, request_authority=authority)
 
     # Persist ONLY the assistant continuation so it renders as a normal agent
     # turn — a standard chat bubble plus `tool_events` that the frontend
diff --git a/src/clean_agent_preview.py b/src/clean_agent_preview.py
index 83a448db1..4c0302eb7 100644
--- a/src/clean_agent_preview.py
+++ b/src/clean_agent_preview.py
@@ -4984,6 +4984,10 @@ async def preview_lines_until_finish(response, finish_event=None):
         await asyncio.gather(finish_task, return_exceptions=True)
 
 
+from src.agent_runtime.authority import MISSING_AUTHORITY, with_request_authority
+
+
+@with_request_authority
 async def stream_preview(*, endpoint_url, model, messages, headers, turn_contract,
                          session_id, owner, disabled_tools, tool_policy,
                          history_session=None, external_untrusted_context_seen=False,
@@ -4991,7 +4995,7 @@ async def stream_preview(*, endpoint_url, model, messages, headers, turn_contrac
                          client_runtime_context=None, max_tokens=768, max_rounds=8,
                          max_tool_calls=0,
                          external_tool_schemas=None, temperature=0.0,
-                         **ignored):
+                         request_authority=MISSING_AUTHORITY, **ignored):
     from src.generation_sampling import validate_temperature
     temperature = validate_temperature(temperature)
     # This path sends requests directly with httpx and therefore bypasses
diff --git a/src/task_scheduler.py b/src/task_scheduler.py
index ce0103f48..02fa9970f 100644
--- a/src/task_scheduler.py
+++ b/src/task_scheduler.py
@@ -1316,6 +1316,17 @@ class TaskScheduler:
     async def _execute_action(self, task, run_id: str | None = None) -> tuple:
         """Execute a built-in action (no LLM needed)."""
         from src.builtin_actions import BUILTIN_ACTIONS
+        from src.agent_runtime.authority import (
+            bind_request_authority, restore_task_authority, task_operation,
+        )
+        authority = restore_task_authority(
+            getattr(task, "request_authority_json", None), task.prompt, task.task_type,
+            task.action, owner=task.owner)
+        from src.settings import get_setting
+        authority = authority.restrict(disabled_tools=get_setting("disabled_tools", []) or ())
+        operation = task_operation(task.task_type, task.action, task.prompt)
+        if operation is None or not authority.permits(operation):
+            return "Scheduled action has no matching server request authority.", False
 
         action_fn = BUILTIN_ACTIONS.get(task.action)
         if not action_fn:
@@ -1342,7 +1353,8 @@ class TaskScheduler:
             if getattr(task, "model", None):
                 kwargs["model"] = task.model
                 kwargs["endpoint_url"] = getattr(task, "endpoint_url", None)
-            result, success = await action_fn(**kwargs)
+            with bind_request_authority(authority):
+                result, success = await action_fn(**kwargs)
             if getattr(task, "model", None):
                 self._last_run_model = task.model
             return result, success
@@ -1945,6 +1957,7 @@ class TaskScheduler:
                               datetime_context_msg: dict | None = None) -> str:
         """Run the full agent loop with tool access, collecting the final text."""
         from src.agent_loop import stream_agent_loop
+        from src.agent_runtime.authority import restore_task_authority
 
         system_content = system_prompt or "You are a helpful assistant executing a scheduled task. Use available tools to complete the task thoroughly."
         user_content = override_user_message or task.prompt
@@ -2000,6 +2013,10 @@ class TaskScheduler:
             _task_fallbacks = []
         # Close the stream in this task on every exit, including the
         # approval-pause break, so the agent run's context state unwinds here.
+        request_authority = restore_task_authority(
+            getattr(task, "request_authority_json", None), task.prompt,
+            getattr(task, "task_type", "llm"), getattr(task, "action", None),
+            owner=task.owner, session_id=session_id)
         async with contextlib.aclosing(stream_agent_loop(
                 endpoint_url=endpoint_url,
                 model=model,
@@ -2007,11 +2024,13 @@ class TaskScheduler:
                 max_rounds=_task_max_rounds,
                 session_id=session_id,
                 owner=task.owner,
+                workspace=request_authority.workspace or None,
                 headers=headers,
                 disabled_tools=disabled_tools,
                 relevant_tools=relevant_tools,
                 fallbacks=_task_fallbacks,
                 workload="background",
+                request_authority=request_authority,
         )) as agent_stream:
             async for event_str in agent_stream:
                 if event_str.startswith("data: ") and not event_str.startswith("data: [DONE]"):
@@ -2109,6 +2128,14 @@ class TaskScheduler:
 
     async def _execute_research_task(self, task, db) -> str:
         """Execute a deep research task using DeepResearcher."""
+        from src.agent_runtime.authority import bind_request_authority, restore_task_authority, task_operation
+        from src.settings import get_setting
+        authority = restore_task_authority(
+            getattr(task, "request_authority_json", None), task.prompt, task.task_type,
+            getattr(task, "action", None), owner=task.owner)
+        authority = authority.restrict(disabled_tools=get_setting("disabled_tools", []) or ())
+        if not authority.permits(task_operation(task.task_type, getattr(task, "action", None), task.prompt)):
+            raise PermissionError("Scheduled research has no matching server request authority.")
         from core.database import Session as DbSession, ChatMessage
         from src.deep_research import DeepResearcher
         from src.research_handler import RESEARCH_DATA_DIR, ResearchHandler
@@ -2180,7 +2207,8 @@ class TaskScheduler:
         )
 
         started_ts = time.time()
-        report = await researcher.research(task.prompt)
+        with bind_request_authority(authority):
+            report = await researcher.research(task.prompt)
         completed_ts = time.time()
         try:
             stats = researcher.get_stats() or {}
@@ -2603,6 +2631,7 @@ class TaskScheduler:
                 if (task.output_target or "session") == "session":
                     task.output_target = defs.get("output_target", "none")
             seeded = []
+            from src.agent_runtime.authority import seal_task_authority
             for action, defs in HOUSEKEEPING_DEFAULTS.items():
                 if action in existing_actions:
                     continue
@@ -2620,6 +2649,7 @@ class TaskScheduler:
                     name=defs["name"],
                     task_type="action",
                     action=action,
+                    request_authority_json=seal_task_authority(None, "action", action, owner=owner),
                     trigger_type=trigger_type,
                     trigger_event=defs.get("trigger_event"),
                     trigger_count=defs.get("trigger_count"),
diff --git a/src/teacher_escalation.py b/src/teacher_escalation.py
index 1f646b583..fda3f4cec 100644
--- a/src/teacher_escalation.py
+++ b/src/teacher_escalation.py
@@ -585,6 +585,7 @@ async def run_teacher_inline(
     external_untrusted_context_seen: bool = False,
     client_runtime_context: Optional[Dict[str, Any]] = None,
     plan_mode: bool = False,
+    request_authority=None,
 ):
     """Async generator. Yields SSE event strings.
 
@@ -700,6 +701,7 @@ async def run_teacher_inline(
         active_email=active_email,
         turn_contract=turn_contract,
         _parent_run_id=parent_run_id,
+        request_authority=request_authority,
         external_untrusted_context_seen=external_untrusted_context_seen,
         client_runtime_context=deepcopy(client_runtime_context),
         plan_mode=plan_mode,
@@ -822,6 +824,7 @@ async def run_teacher_inline(
         workspace=workspace,
         external_untrusted_context_seen=True,
         capabilities=capabilities_for_action("manage_skills", skill_content),
+        request_authority=request_authority,
     )
     approval = pending.public_payload(
         reason=(
diff --git a/src/tool_approvals.py b/src/tool_approvals.py
index 5e688172b..7144fc3cf 100644
--- a/src/tool_approvals.py
+++ b/src/tool_approvals.py
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ from src.tool_approval_scopes import (
     scope_for_decision,
 )
 from src.tool_capabilities import ToolCapabilities, capabilities_for_action
+from src.agent_runtime.authority import RequestAuthority
 
 
 DEFAULT_APPROVAL_TTL_SECONDS = 10 * 60
@@ -117,6 +118,7 @@ def _binding_payload(
     continuation_query: Any,
     effects: tuple[str, ...],
     result_integrity: str,
+    request_authority: RequestAuthority | None = None,
 ) -> dict[str, Any]:
     return {
         "owner": _normalized_owner(owner),
@@ -137,6 +139,7 @@ def _binding_payload(
         "continuation_query": _normalized_continuation_query(continuation_query),
         "effects": list(effects),
         "result_integrity": str(result_integrity),
+        "request_authority": request_authority.to_dict() if request_authority is not None else None,
     }
 
 
@@ -165,6 +168,7 @@ class PendingToolApproval:
     # The originating user request is internal continuation context only; it
     # is never displayed or treated as authorization for the sealed action.
     request_text: str = ""
+    request_authority: RequestAuthority | None = None
 
     def public_payload(self, *, reason: str | None = None) -> dict[str, Any]:
         return {
@@ -273,6 +277,7 @@ class ExactToolApproval:
             continuation_query=self.pending.continuation_query,
             effects=effects,
             result_integrity=result_integrity,
+            request_authority=self.pending.request_authority,
         )
         return _canonical_digest(expected) == self.pending.digest
 
@@ -356,7 +361,10 @@ class ToolApprovalStore:
         external_untrusted_context_seen: bool,
         capabilities: ToolCapabilities,
         request_text: Any = "",
+        request_authority: RequestAuthority | None = None,
     ) -> PendingToolApproval:
+        if request_authority is not None and not isinstance(request_authority, RequestAuthority):
+            raise TypeError("Approval authority must be server-owned RequestAuthority")
         now = time.time()
         effects = tuple(sorted(effect.value for effect in capabilities.effects))
         result_integrity = capabilities.result_integrity.value
@@ -375,6 +383,7 @@ class ToolApprovalStore:
             continuation_query=continuation_query,
             effects=effects,
             result_integrity=result_integrity,
+            request_authority=request_authority,
         )
         pending = PendingToolApproval(
             approval_id=secrets.token_urlsafe(32),
@@ -398,6 +407,7 @@ class ToolApprovalStore:
             selected_tools=tuple(payload["selected_tools"]),
             continuation_query=payload["continuation_query"],
             request_text=str(request_text or ""),
+            request_authority=request_authority,
         )
         with self._lock:
             self._purge_expired_locked(now)
diff --git a/src/tool_execution.py b/src/tool_execution.py
index e72594cba..b9cd65c61 100644
--- a/src/tool_execution.py
+++ b/src/tool_execution.py
@@ -1219,6 +1219,7 @@ async def _direct_fallback(
             "client_runtime_context": client_runtime_context,
             "disabled_tools": frozenset(disabled_tools or ()),
             "tool_policy": tool_policy,
+            "request_authority": active_request_authority(),
         }
 
         from src.agent_tools import TOOL_HANDLERS
@@ -1259,6 +1260,10 @@ async def _document_tool_dispatch(
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 from src.agent_runtime.journal import dispatched, mark_authorized, mark_dispatch, record_action
+from src.agent_runtime.authority import (
+    MISSING_AUTHORITY, ExactOperation, RequestAuthority, active_request_authority,
+    bind_request_authority, save_background_authority,
+)
 
 
 @record_action
@@ -1278,6 +1283,7 @@ async def execute_tool_block(
     exact_approval: Optional[ExactToolApproval] = None,
     active_document_id: Optional[str] = None,
     client_runtime_context: Optional[Dict[str, Any]] = None,
+    request_authority=MISSING_AUTHORITY,
 ) -> Tuple[str, Dict]:
     """Execute a single tool block. Returns (description, result_dict).
 
@@ -1299,6 +1305,40 @@ async def execute_tool_block(
             "NO_TOOL_SECURITY_CONTEXT"
         )
 
+    authority = active_request_authority() if request_authority is MISSING_AUTHORITY else request_authority
+    parent = active_request_authority()
+    if isinstance(authority, RequestAuthority) and parent is not None and authority is not parent:
+        authority = parent.intersect(authority)
+    try:
+        operation = ExactOperation.normalize(getattr(block, "tool_type", None), getattr(block, "content", None))
+        valid = isinstance(authority, RequestAuthority) and authority.bound_to(
+            owner=owner, session_id=session_id, workspace=workspace)
+        if valid:
+            authority = authority.restrict(tool_policy, disabled_tools)
+        exact_admission = bool(
+            valid and not authority.inherited and not authority.restricted(operation)
+            and exact_approval is not None and exact_approval.matches(
+                owner=owner, session_id=session_id, workspace=workspace,
+                tool_name=getattr(block, "tool_type", None), content=getattr(block, "content", None)))
+        admitted = valid and (authority.permits(operation) or exact_admission)
+    except (ValueError, TypeError, AttributeError) as error:
+        return f"{getattr(block, 'tool_type', '')}: invalid arguments", {
+            "error": (f"Tool arguments are not valid JSON: {error}"
+                      if isinstance(error, json.JSONDecodeError) else str(error)),
+            "exit_code": 1, "blocked": True,
+            "failure_kind": "request_authority_denied",
+        }
+    if not admitted:
+        reason = "The exact operation is outside server request authority."
+        if tool_policy and any(tool_policy.blocks(name) for name in email_tool_policy_names(getattr(block, "tool_type", ""))):
+            reason = f"Execution of tool '{getattr(block, 'tool_type', '')}' is forbade by the active tool policy."
+        elif isinstance(authority, RequestAuthority) and authority.restricted(operation):
+            reason = "The exact operation is disabled by user or server request authority policy."
+        return f"{getattr(block, 'tool_type', '')}: BLOCKED", {
+            "error": reason,
+            "exit_code": 1, "blocked": True, "failure_kind": "request_authority_denied",
+        }
+
     from src.turn_contract import active_turn_contract
     contract = active_turn_contract()
     if contract is not None and not contract.permits(getattr(block, "tool_type", "")):
@@ -1393,31 +1433,32 @@ async def execute_tool_block(
 
     token = _active_workspace.set(workspace or None)
     try:
-        output = await _execute_tool_block_impl(
-            block,
-            session_id=session_id,
-            disabled_tools=disabled_tools,
-            owner=owner,
-            progress_cb=progress_cb,
-            tool_policy=tool_policy,
-            approved_document_id=(
-                exact_approval.pending.document_id
-                if approval_claimed
-                else None
-            ),
-            approved_document_version=(
-                exact_approval.pending.document_version
-                if approval_claimed
-                else None
-            ),
-            approved_document_digest=(
-                exact_approval.pending.document_digest
-                if approval_claimed
-                else None
-            ),
-            active_document_id=active_document_id,
-            client_runtime_context=client_runtime_context,
-        )
+        with bind_request_authority(authority):
+            output = await _execute_tool_block_impl(
+                block,
+                session_id=session_id,
+                disabled_tools=disabled_tools,
+                owner=owner,
+                progress_cb=progress_cb,
+                tool_policy=tool_policy,
+                approved_document_id=(
+                    exact_approval.pending.document_id
+                    if approval_claimed
+                    else None
+                ),
+                approved_document_version=(
+                    exact_approval.pending.document_version
+                    if approval_claimed
+                    else None
+                ),
+                approved_document_digest=(
+                    exact_approval.pending.document_digest
+                    if approval_claimed
+                    else None
+                ),
+                active_document_id=active_document_id,
+                client_runtime_context=client_runtime_context,
+            )
         if isinstance(security_context, ToolRunSecurityContext):
             security_context.observe_tool_result(
                 getattr(block, "tool_type", None),
@@ -1628,6 +1669,9 @@ async def _execute_tool_block_impl(
             from src import bg_jobs
             mark_dispatch()
             rec = bg_jobs.launch(_bg_cmd, session_id=session_id, cwd=agent_cwd())
+            # Only this server launch may seal detached-job authority; a
+            # handler/bridge output carrying a job id is not a grant source.
+            save_background_authority(rec["id"], active_request_authority())
             short = _bg_cmd.strip().split(chr(10))[0][:80]
             desc = f"bash (background): {short}"
             result = {
diff --git a/src/tools/system.py b/src/tools/system.py
index 76783badc..d60d8f585 100644
--- a/src/tools/system.py
+++ b/src/tools/system.py
@@ -486,12 +486,15 @@ async def do_manage_tasks(content: str, owner: Optional[str] = None) -> Dict:
             # Guard each fallback with `or`: args.get("prompt", default) returns
             # None when the key is present but null, and None[:50] raises.
             name = args.get("name") or (args.get("prompt") or args.get("action_name") or "Task")[:50]
+            from src.agent_runtime.authority import seal_task_authority
 
             task = ScheduledTask(
                 id=task_id,
                 owner=owner,
                 name=name,
                 prompt=args.get("prompt"),
+                request_authority_json=seal_task_authority(
+                    args.get("prompt"), task_type, args.get("action_name"), owner=owner),
                 task_type=task_type,
                 action=args.get("action_name"),
                 schedule=args.get("schedule", "daily") if trigger_type == "schedule" else None,
@@ -557,6 +560,10 @@ async def do_manage_tasks(content: str, owner: Optional[str] = None) -> Dict:
             if args.get("action_name") is not None:
                 task.action = args["action_name"]
                 changed.append("action")
+            if any(args.get(field) is not None for field in ("prompt", "task_type", "action_name")):
+                from src.agent_runtime.authority import seal_task_authority
+                task.request_authority_json = seal_task_authority(
+                    task.prompt, task.task_type, task.action, owner=owner)
             if args.get("trigger_type") is not None:
                 task.trigger_type = args["trigger_type"]
                 changed.append("trigger_type")
diff --git a/tests/runtime_evidence_helpers.py b/tests/runtime_evidence_helpers.py
index f5aa483f3..1ab245a15 100644
--- a/tests/runtime_evidence_helpers.py
+++ b/tests/runtime_evidence_helpers.py
@@ -2,6 +2,33 @@
 from src.agent_runtime.journal import mark_dispatch, record_action
 
 
+def server_authorized_executor(executor):
+    """Give standalone dispatcher fixtures their explicit server grants.
+
+    These existing suites exercise handlers, policy, confinement and approvals.
+    Their fixture grants cover the declared native tool registry, independently
+    of the proposed block. Request-authority denial tests use the raw dispatcher.
+    """
+    from functools import wraps
+    from inspect import signature
+    from src.agent_runtime.authority import OperationGrant, RequestAuthority
+    from src.tool_policy import known_tool_names
+    from src.turn_contract import canonical_tool
+    call_signature = signature(executor)
+    @wraps(executor)
+    async def execute(*args, **kwargs):
+        bound = call_signature.bind(*args, **kwargs)
+        parameters = bound.arguments
+        kwargs.setdefault("request_authority", RequestAuthority(
+            "standalone-test-request", str(parameters.get("owner") or "").strip().casefold(),
+            str(parameters.get("session_id") or ""), str(parameters.get("workspace") or ""),
+            tuple(OperationGrant(name) for name in sorted(
+                {canonical_tool(n) for n in known_tool_names()} | {"list_dir", "find_files"})),
+        ))
+        return await executor(*args, **kwargs)
+    return execute
+
+
 def authoritative_executor(function):
     @record_action
     async def execute(block, *args, **kwargs):
diff --git a/tests/test_agent_external_tool_schemas.py b/tests/test_agent_external_tool_schemas.py
index f6aa8c46e..f6688a870 100644
--- a/tests/test_agent_external_tool_schemas.py
+++ b/tests/test_agent_external_tool_schemas.py
@@ -333,6 +333,7 @@ def test_external_tool_images_are_threaded_as_multimodal_evidence():
 
 
 def test_declared_external_call_reaches_scoped_bridge(monkeypatch):
+    from src.agent_runtime.authority import OperationGrant, RequestAuthority
     bridge_calls = []
     round_no = 0
     monkeypatch.setattr(agent_loop, "get_setting", lambda key, default=None: default)
@@ -367,6 +368,8 @@ def test_declared_external_call_reaches_scoped_bridge(monkeypatch):
             [{"role": "user", "content": "Perform the declared operation."}],
             max_rounds=2,
             owner="pewds",
+            request_authority=RequestAuthority("declared-fixture", "pewds", "", "",
+                (OperationGrant("inspect_state"),)),
             relevant_tools={"inspect_state"},
             forced_tools={"inspect_state"},
             fallbacks=[],
@@ -389,6 +392,7 @@ def test_declared_external_call_reaches_scoped_bridge(monkeypatch):
 
 
 def test_known_native_tool_reaches_scoped_bridge_without_redeclared_schema(monkeypatch):
+    from src.agent_runtime.authority import create_request_authority
     bridge_calls = []
     round_no = 0
     monkeypatch.setattr(agent_loop, "get_setting", lambda key, default=None: default)
@@ -435,6 +439,7 @@ def test_known_native_tool_reaches_scoped_bridge_without_redeclared_schema(monke
             [{"role": "user", "content": "Search email for Project Alpha."}],
             max_rounds=2,
             owner="public-user",
+            request_authority=create_request_authority("Search email for Project Alpha.", owner="public-user"),
             relevant_tools={"search_emails"},
             forced_tools={"search_emails"},
             fallbacks=[],
diff --git a/tests/test_ask_user_tool.py b/tests/test_ask_user_tool.py
index 4094701bb..facaf2d01 100644
--- a/tests/test_ask_user_tool.py
+++ b/tests/test_ask_user_tool.py
@@ -11,6 +11,9 @@ from src.agent_tools import ToolBlock, TOOL_TAGS  # noqa: E402  (import first to
 from src.tool_execution import NO_TOOL_SECURITY_CONTEXT, execute_tool_block
 from src.tool_index import ALWAYS_AVAILABLE, BUILTIN_TOOL_DESCRIPTIONS
 from src.tool_security import is_public_blocked_tool
+from tests.runtime_evidence_helpers import server_authorized_executor
+
+execute_tool_block = server_authorized_executor(execute_tool_block)
 
 
 def _run(content):
diff --git a/tests/test_client_tool_routing.py b/tests/test_client_tool_routing.py
index 83fe271d1..fe050d7b7 100644
--- a/tests/test_client_tool_routing.py
+++ b/tests/test_client_tool_routing.py
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ from routes.chat_routes import _agent_turn_cwd
 import routes.chat_routes as chat_routes
 from src import tool_execution as _te
 from src.agent_loop import _is_explicit_local_network_request
+from tests.runtime_evidence_helpers import server_authorized_executor
 
 # Hold module-object references (not just from-imported names): other test
 # modules re-import src.tool_execution via sys.modules pops, so string-target
@@ -28,7 +29,7 @@ _ROUTED_BRIDGE_TOOLS = _te._ROUTED_BRIDGE_TOOLS
 async def _execute_tool_block_for_unit_tests(*args, **kwargs):
     """Use the explicit non-security-context test mode for dispatch tests."""
     kwargs.setdefault("security_context", _te.NO_TOOL_SECURITY_CONTEXT)
-    return await _te.execute_tool_block(*args, **kwargs)
+    return await server_authorized_executor(_te.execute_tool_block)(*args, **kwargs)
 
 
 execute_tool_block = _execute_tool_block_for_unit_tests
diff --git a/tests/test_edit_file.py b/tests/test_edit_file.py
index b3fb202e1..6f94a3961 100644
--- a/tests/test_edit_file.py
+++ b/tests/test_edit_file.py
@@ -4,6 +4,14 @@ import os
 import tempfile
 
 import pytest
+from tests.runtime_evidence_helpers import server_authorized_executor
+
+
+@pytest.fixture(autouse=True)
+def standalone_dispatch_authority(monkeypatch):
+    from src import tool_execution
+    monkeypatch.setattr(tool_execution, "execute_tool_block",
+                        server_authorized_executor(tool_execution.execute_tool_block))
 
 from src import tool_security
 from src.tool_security import (
diff --git a/tests/test_execution_bridge.py b/tests/test_execution_bridge.py
index 9c72e0569..bcfc33b96 100644
--- a/tests/test_execution_bridge.py
+++ b/tests/test_execution_bridge.py
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 import asyncio
 import logging
 import src.tool_execution as tool_execution
+from tests.runtime_evidence_helpers import server_authorized_executor
 
 from src.tool_execution import (
     AgentExecutionBridge,
@@ -11,6 +12,9 @@ from src.tool_execution import (
 )
 
 
+execute_tool_block = server_authorized_executor(execute_tool_block)
+
+
 class Block:
     tool_type = "host_shell"
 
diff --git a/tests/test_external_context_tool_gate.py b/tests/test_external_context_tool_gate.py
index cc8d7f4f0..473cba897 100644
--- a/tests/test_external_context_tool_gate.py
+++ b/tests/test_external_context_tool_gate.py
@@ -7,6 +7,14 @@ from collections import namedtuple
 from pathlib import Path
 
 import pytest
+from tests.runtime_evidence_helpers import server_authorized_executor
+
+
+@pytest.fixture(autouse=True)
+def standalone_dispatch_authority(monkeypatch):
+    from src import tool_execution
+    monkeypatch.setattr(tool_execution, "execute_tool_block",
+                        server_authorized_executor(tool_execution.execute_tool_block))
 
 from tests.helpers.document_source import document_source
 from tests.helpers.js_modules import email_library_paths
diff --git a/tests/test_image_creation_routing.py b/tests/test_image_creation_routing.py
index 9a2189775..a571e960b 100644
--- a/tests/test_image_creation_routing.py
+++ b/tests/test_image_creation_routing.py
@@ -125,6 +125,8 @@ async def test_generation_dispatch_uses_owner_aware_backend(monkeypatch, exit_co
     from types import SimpleNamespace
     from src import ai_interaction, tool_execution
     from src.agent_runtime.journal import ActionJournal, bind_journal
+    from tests.runtime_evidence_helpers import server_authorized_executor
+    execute = server_authorized_executor(tool_execution.execute_tool_block)
     calls = []
     async def generate(content, **kwargs):
         calls.append((content, kwargs))
@@ -140,9 +142,9 @@ async def test_generation_dispatch_uses_owner_aware_backend(monkeypatch, exit_co
     block = SimpleNamespace(tool_type='generate_image', content='{"prompt":"A city"}')
     journal = ActionJournal()
     with bind_journal(journal):
-        _, denied = await tool_execution.execute_tool_block(block, owner='pewds', session_id='fixture',
+        _, denied = await execute(block, owner='pewds', session_id='fixture',
             disabled_tools={'generate_image'}, security_context=tool_execution.NO_TOOL_SECURITY_CONTEXT)
-        _, result = await tool_execution.execute_tool_block(block, owner='pewds', session_id='fixture',
+        _, result = await execute(block, owner='pewds', session_id='fixture',
             security_context=tool_execution.NO_TOOL_SECURITY_CONTEXT)
     assert denied['exit_code'] != 0
     assert journal.actions[0].execution_id is None
diff --git a/tests/test_request_authority.py b/tests/test_request_authority.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..2f25449ca
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/test_request_authority.py
@@ -0,0 +1,584 @@
+"""Request grants are independent of tool offerings and model proposals."""
+import asyncio
+from contextlib import nullcontext
+from dataclasses import replace
+import json
+from types import SimpleNamespace
+from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, MagicMock
+
+import pytest
+
+from src.agent_runtime.authority import (
+    MISSING_AUTHORITY, ExactOperation, OperationGrant, RequestAuthority,
+    active_request_authority, bind_request_authority, create_request_authority,
+    restore_background_authority, restore_task_authority, save_background_authority,
+    seal_task_authority, task_operation, with_request_authority,
+    is_internal_tool_request, require_user_approval_request,
+    request_authority_for_http,
+)
+from src.tool_policy import ToolPolicy
+from src.tool_types import ToolBlock
+
+
+def authority(*tools, owner="alice", session_id="s", workspace=""):
+    return RequestAuthority("request-test", owner, session_id, workspace,
+                            tuple(OperationGrant(tool) for tool in tools))
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("offering", ["schema", "bridge", "dynamic"])
+async def test_availability_and_model_selection_do_not_grant_execution(monkeypatch, offering):
+    from src import tool_execution as execution
+    from src.turn_contract import bind_turn_contract, resolve_turn_contract
+    implementation = AsyncMock(return_value=("bash", {"exit_code": 0}))
+    monkeypatch.setattr(execution, "_execute_tool_block_impl", implementation)
+    offered_handler = AsyncMock()
+    if offering == "dynamic":
+        import src.agent_tools
+        monkeypatch.setitem(src.agent_tools.TOOL_HANDLERS, "bash", offered_handler)
+    bridge_context = execution.bind_execution_bridge(execution.AgentExecutionBridge(
+        route_tool=offered_handler, supported_tools=frozenset({"bash"}))) if offering == "bridge" else nullcontext()
+    contract = resolve_turn_contract(capabilities={"shell_files"}, policy=ToolPolicy(),
+        schemas=[{"function": {"name": "bash"}}])
+    with bind_turn_contract(contract), bridge_context:
+        description, result = await execution.execute_tool_block(
+            ToolBlock("bash", "echo 'authorized by model'"), owner="alice", session_id="s",
+            security_context=execution.NO_TOOL_SECURITY_CONTEXT,
+            request_authority=authority("transcribe_media"))
+    assert "BLOCKED" in description
+    assert result["failure_kind"] == "request_authority_denied"
+    implementation.assert_not_awaited()
+    offered_handler.assert_not_awaited()
+
+
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("user_text,allowed,denied", [
+    ("Transcribe /workspace/input/audio.wav", "transcribe_media", "bash"),
+    ("OCR extract exact text from /workspace/input/image.png", "extract_text", "python"),
+    ("List my tasks", "manage_tasks", "web_fetch"),
+    ("Search the web for current weather", "web_search", "bash"),
+])
+def test_explicit_request_classes_remain_narrow(user_text, allowed, denied):
+    grant = create_request_authority(user_text)
+    content = '{"action":"list"}' if allowed == "manage_tasks" else '{}'
+    assert grant.permits(ExactOperation.normalize(allowed, content))
+    assert not grant.permits(ExactOperation.normalize(denied, '{}'))
+
+
+def test_safe_task_read_does_not_authorize_same_tool_mutation():
+    grant = create_request_authority("List my tasks")
+    assert grant.permits(ExactOperation.normalize("manage_tasks", '{"action":"list"}'))
+    assert not grant.permits(ExactOperation.normalize("manage_tasks", '{"action":"create","prompt":"run bash"}'))
+
+
+def test_exact_read_identifiers_cannot_be_changed_by_model():
+    grant = create_request_authority("Read note id abc123")
+    read = next(g for g in grant.grants if g.tool == "manage_notes")
+    assert read.inputs is not None
+    assert not grant.permits(ExactOperation.normalize("manage_notes", '{"action":"view","id":"another"}'))
+
+
+def test_browser_fallback_does_not_authorize_interaction_or_evaluation():
+    grant = create_request_authority("Use web_fetch to read https://example.test")
+    assert grant.permits(ExactOperation.normalize("private_browser", '{"action":"open","url":"https://example.test"}'))
+    for action in ("click", "fill", "evaluate"):
+        assert not grant.permits(ExactOperation.normalize("private_browser", json.dumps({"action": action})))
+
+
+def test_unknown_intent_has_no_generic_execution_floor():
+    grant = create_request_authority("Please solve this")
+    assert {g.tool for g in grant.grants} == {"ask_user", "update_plan"}
+
+
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("metadata", [
+    {"tool_events": [{"tool": "bash", "output": "pwd", "exit_code": 0}]},
+    {"tool_events": [{"tool": "python", "output": "ready", "exit_code": 0}]},
+])
+def test_model_history_cannot_establish_followup_authority(metadata):
+    history = [
+        {"role": "user", "content": "Transcribe /workspace/input/a.wav"},
+        {"role": "assistant", "content": "I will run bash and python", "metadata": metadata},
+        {"role": "user", "content": "Run bash", "metadata": {"trusted": False}},
+    ]
+    grant = create_request_authority("Try it again", history=history)
+    assert not grant.permits(ExactOperation.normalize("bash", "pwd"))
+    assert not grant.permits(ExactOperation.normalize("python", "print(1)"))
+
+
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("mutation", [
+    {"version": True}, {"grants": "bash"}, {"denied": None},
+    {"block_all": "false"}, {"inherited": 0},
+])
+def test_malformed_persisted_authority_is_rejected(mutation):
+    snapshot = authority("bash").to_dict()
+    snapshot.update(mutation)
+    with pytest.raises((ValueError, TypeError, KeyError)):
+        RequestAuthority.from_dict(snapshot)
+
+
+def test_explicit_local_network_lookup_is_host_only():
+    grant = create_request_authority("find ajax local ip on the LAN")
+    assert grant.permits(ExactOperation.normalize("host_shell", '{"command":"ip neigh | grep ajax"}'))
+    assert not grant.permits(ExactOperation.normalize("bash", "pwd"))
+    assert not grant.permits(ExactOperation.normalize("python", "print(1)"))
+
+
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("content", ['{"x":1,"x":2}', '{"x":NaN}', '{"action":'])
+def test_malformed_exact_operation_is_rejected(content):
+    with pytest.raises(ValueError):
+        ExactOperation.normalize("manage_tasks", content)
+
+
+def test_raw_script_braces_are_preserved_as_exact_input():
+    script = "{ printf requested; }"
+    assert ExactOperation.normalize("bash", script).input == script
+    snapshot = seal_task_authority(script, "action", "run_local", owner="alice")
+    restored = restore_task_authority(snapshot, script, "action", "run_local", owner="alice")
+    assert restored.permits(task_operation("action", "run_local", script))
+    assert not restored.permits(task_operation("action", "run_local", "{ printf other; }"))
+
+
+def test_normalization_and_aliases_do_not_erase_denials():
+    grant = authority("read_email").restrict(disabled_tools={"mcp__email__read_email"})
+    assert not grant.permits(ExactOperation.normalize("read_email", '{}'))
+    grant = authority("read_email").restrict(ToolPolicy(disable_mcp=True))
+    assert not grant.permits(ExactOperation.normalize("mcp__email__read_email", '{}'))
+    assert ExactOperation.normalize("manage_tasks", '{ "action": "list" }').input == '{"action":"list"}'
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("state", [MISSING_AUTHORITY, None, {}, "authorized"])
+async def test_missing_and_malformed_dispatch_authority_fail_closed(monkeypatch, state):
+    from src import tool_execution as execution
+    implementation = AsyncMock()
+    monkeypatch.setattr(execution, "_execute_tool_block_impl", implementation)
+    _, result = await execution.execute_tool_block(ToolBlock("bash", "pwd"),
+        security_context=execution.NO_TOOL_SECURITY_CONTEXT, request_authority=state)
+    assert result["blocked"] is True
+    implementation.assert_not_awaited()
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_dispatch_checks_grants_and_current_disabled_policy(monkeypatch):
+    from src import tool_execution as execution
+    implementation = AsyncMock(return_value=("bash", {"exit_code": 0}))
+    monkeypatch.setattr(execution, "_execute_tool_block_impl", implementation)
+    for disabled in (set(), {"bash"}):
+        _, result = await execution.execute_tool_block(ToolBlock("bash", "pwd"),
+            owner="alice", session_id="s", disabled_tools=disabled,
+            security_context=execution.NO_TOOL_SECURITY_CONTEXT,
+            request_authority=authority("bash"))
+        assert result["exit_code"] == (1 if disabled else 0)
+    assert implementation.await_count == 1
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_nested_stream_intersects_and_restores_parent_on_close():
+    seen = []
+    @with_request_authority
+    async def child(messages, request_authority=MISSING_AUTHORITY, owner="alice", session_id="s"):
+        seen.append(active_request_authority())
+        yield "child"
+    parent = authority("transcribe_media")
+    with bind_request_authority(parent):
+        stream = child([{"role": "user", "content": "Run bash"}],
+                       request_authority=authority("bash", "transcribe_media"))
+        assert await anext(stream) == "child"
+        assert not seen[0].permits(ExactOperation.normalize("bash", "pwd"))
+        assert seen[0].permits(ExactOperation.normalize("transcribe_media", '{}'))
+        await stream.aclose()
+        assert active_request_authority() is parent
+    assert active_request_authority() is None
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_retries_and_provider_changes_do_not_recreate_authority():
+    seen = []
+    @with_request_authority
+    async def run(messages, request_authority=MISSING_AUTHORITY, owner="alice", session_id="s"):
+        for proposed in ("transcribe_media", "bash", "python"):
+            seen.append(active_request_authority())
+            yield active_request_authority().permits(ExactOperation.normalize(proposed, '{}'))
+    assert [x async for x in run([{"role": "user", "content": "Transcribe /workspace/input/a.wav"}])] == [True, False, False]
+    assert all(value is seen[0] for value in seen)
+
+
+def test_task_snapshot_caps_model_payload_and_rejects_changed_or_missing_state():
+    parent = authority("manage_tasks")
+    with bind_request_authority(parent):
+        snapshot = seal_task_authority("Run bash in the workspace", "llm", None, owner="alice")
+    restored = restore_task_authority(snapshot, "Run bash in the workspace", "llm", None, owner="alice")
+    assert not restored.permits(ExactOperation.normalize("bash", "pwd"))
+    for state in (None, "{}", snapshot):
+        changed = restore_task_authority(state, "a different prompt", "llm", None, owner="alice")
+        assert changed.grants == ()
+
+
+def test_direct_task_ingress_seals_only_exact_builtin_action():
+    snapshot = seal_task_authority("printf requested", "action", "run_local", owner="alice")
+    restored = restore_task_authority(snapshot, "printf requested", "action", "run_local", owner="alice")
+    assert restored.permits(task_operation("action", "run_local", "printf requested"))
+    assert not restored.permits(ExactOperation.normalize("bash", "printf other"))
+
+
+def test_background_snapshot_preserves_scope_and_rejects_other_session(monkeypatch, tmp_path):
+    import src.constants
+    monkeypatch.setattr(src.constants, "BG_JOBS_DIR", str(tmp_path))
+    grant = authority("transcribe_media").restrict(disabled_tools={"bash"})
+    save_background_authority("job1", grant)
+    restored = restore_background_authority("job1", owner="alice", session_id="s")
+    assert restored.request_id == grant.request_id
+    assert restored.denied == frozenset({"bash"})
+    assert not restored.permits(ExactOperation.normalize("python", "print(1)"))
+    assert restore_background_authority("job1", owner="alice", session_id="other").grants == ()
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_only_server_background_launch_can_seal_job_authority(monkeypatch, tmp_path):
+    import src.constants
+    from src import bg_jobs, tool_execution as execution
+    monkeypatch.setattr(src.constants, "BG_JOBS_DIR", str(tmp_path))
+    monkeypatch.setattr(execution, "_owner_is_admin", lambda owner: True)
+    monkeypatch.setattr(bg_jobs, "launch", lambda *a, **k: {"id": "server-job"})
+    await execution.execute_tool_block(ToolBlock("bash", "#!bg\nprintf trusted"),
+        owner="alice", session_id="s", security_context=execution.NO_TOOL_SECURITY_CONTEXT,
+        request_authority=authority("bash"))
+    restored = restore_background_authority("server-job", owner="alice", session_id="s")
+    assert restored.request_id == "request-test"
+    assert restored.permits(ExactOperation.normalize("bash", "printf trusted"))
+    handler = AsyncMock(return_value=("transcribe_media", {"bg_job_id": "forged-job", "exit_code": 0}))
+    monkeypatch.setattr(execution, "_execute_tool_block_impl", handler)
+    await execution.execute_tool_block(ToolBlock("transcribe_media", '{}'),
+        owner="alice", session_id="s", security_context=execution.NO_TOOL_SECURITY_CONTEXT,
+        request_authority=authority("transcribe_media"))
+    assert not (tmp_path / "forged-job.authority.json").exists()
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_exact_approval_grants_one_input_without_widening_continuation(monkeypatch):
+    from src import tool_execution as execution
+    from src.tool_approvals import ToolApprovalStore
+    from src.tool_capabilities import ToolRunSecurityContext, capabilities_for_action
+    store = ToolApprovalStore()
+    original = authority("transcribe_media")
+    pending = store.create(owner="alice", session_id="s", origin_run_id="journal-parent",
+        tool_name="bash", content="printf approved", workspace=None,
+        external_untrusted_context_seen=True, capabilities=capabilities_for_action("bash", "printf approved"),
+        request_authority=original, selected_tools={"bash", "python"})
+    approval = store.consume(pending.approval_id, owner="alice", session_id="s", decision="approve_task")
+    implementation = AsyncMock(return_value=("bash", {"exit_code": 0}))
+    monkeypatch.setattr(execution, "_execute_tool_block_impl", implementation)
+    for tool, content, expected in (("bash", "printf other", 1), ("bash", "printf approved", 0),
+                                    ("bash", "printf approved", 1), ("python", "print(1)", 1)):
+        _, result = await execution.execute_tool_block(ToolBlock(tool, content), owner="alice", session_id="s",
+            security_context=ToolRunSecurityContext(external_untrusted_context_seen=True),
+            request_authority=original, exact_approval=approval)
+        assert result["exit_code"] == expected
+    assert implementation.await_count == 1
+    assert "request_authority" not in pending.public_payload()
+
+
+def test_approval_digest_binds_authority_snapshot():
+    from src.tool_approvals import ExactToolApproval, ToolApprovalStore
+    from src.tool_capabilities import capabilities_for_action
+    pending = ToolApprovalStore().create(owner="alice", session_id="s", origin_run_id="journal",
+        tool_name="bash", content="pwd", workspace=None, external_untrusted_context_seen=True,
+        capabilities=capabilities_for_action("bash", "pwd"), request_authority=authority("transcribe_media"))
+    forged = ExactToolApproval(replace(pending, request_authority=authority("bash", "python")))
+    assert not forged.matches(owner="alice", session_id="s", workspace=None, tool_name="bash", content="pwd")
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_nested_approval_cannot_cross_parent_class_ceiling(monkeypatch):
+    from src import tool_execution as execution
+    from src.tool_approvals import ToolApprovalStore
+    from src.tool_capabilities import ToolRunSecurityContext, capabilities_for_action
+    store = ToolApprovalStore()
+    pending = store.create(owner="alice", session_id="s", origin_run_id="parent",
+        tool_name="bash", content="pwd", workspace=None, external_untrusted_context_seen=True,
+        capabilities=capabilities_for_action("bash", "pwd"))
+    approval = store.consume(pending.approval_id, owner="alice", session_id="s", decision="approve")
+    implementation = AsyncMock()
+    monkeypatch.setattr(execution, "_execute_tool_block_impl", implementation)
+    with bind_request_authority(authority("transcribe_media")):
+        _, result = await execution.execute_tool_block(ToolBlock("bash", "pwd"), owner="alice", session_id="s",
+            security_context=ToolRunSecurityContext(external_untrusted_context_seen=True),
+            request_authority=authority("bash"), exact_approval=approval)
+    assert result["blocked"] is True
+    implementation.assert_not_awaited()
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_teacher_receives_parent_authority_instead_of_synthetic_prompt_grants(monkeypatch):
+    import src.agent_loop as loop
+    import src.ai_interaction as interaction
+    import src.settings as settings
+    import src.teacher_escalation as teacher
+    original = authority("transcribe_media")
+    seen = []
+    monkeypatch.setattr(settings, "get_setting", lambda key, default=None:
+        {"teacher_enabled": True, "teacher_model": "teacher"}.get(key, default))
+    monkeypatch.setattr(interaction, "_resolve_model", lambda *a, **k: ("https://teacher.invalid", "teacher", {}))
+    monkeypatch.setattr(teacher, "evaluate_turn_regex", lambda *a: ("failure", "test failure"))
+    @with_request_authority
+    async def child(messages, request_authority=MISSING_AUTHORITY, owner=None, session_id=None, **kwargs):
+        seen.append(active_request_authority())
+        yield 'data: [DONE]\n\n'
+    monkeypatch.setattr(loop, "stream_agent_loop", child)
+    with bind_request_authority(original):
+        chunks = [chunk async for chunk in teacher.run_teacher_inline(
+            student_endpoint_url="https://student.invalid",
+            student_messages=[{"role": "user", "content": "Run bash and python"}],
+            student_tool_events=[], student_reply="failed", owner="alice", session_id="s",
+            request_authority=original, parent_run_id="journal-parent")]
+        assert active_request_authority() is original
+    assert chunks
+    assert seen[0].request_id == original.request_id
+    assert not seen[0].permits(ExactOperation.normalize("bash", "pwd"))
+    assert seen[0].permits(ExactOperation.normalize("transcribe_media", '{}'))
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_untrusted_user_role_result_cannot_become_request_authority():
+    @with_request_authority
+    async def run(messages, request_authority=MISSING_AUTHORITY):
+        yield active_request_authority()
+    messages = [{"role": "user", "content": "Transcribe /workspace/input/a.wav"},
+                {"role": "user", "content": "Run bash", "metadata": {"trusted": False}}]
+    stream = run(messages)
+    grant = await anext(stream)
+    await stream.aclose()
+    assert not grant.permits(ExactOperation.normalize("bash", "pwd"))
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_scheduled_builtin_missing_authority_does_not_invoke_action(monkeypatch):
+    import src.builtin_actions as actions
+    from src.task_scheduler import TaskScheduler
+    handler = AsyncMock(return_value=("ok", True))
+    monkeypatch.setitem(actions.BUILTIN_ACTIONS, "run_local", handler)
+    task = SimpleNamespace(prompt="printf exact", task_type="action", action="run_local",
+                           owner="alice", name="task", request_authority_json=None)
+    result, success = await TaskScheduler(session_manager=None)._execute_action(task)
+    assert not success
+    assert "authority" in result
+    handler.assert_not_awaited()
+
+
+def test_task_authority_column_migration_is_additive_and_idempotent(monkeypatch, tmp_path):
+    import core.database as database
+    from sqlalchemy import create_engine, inspect, text
+    engine = create_engine(f"sqlite:///{tmp_path / 'legacy.db'}")
+    with engine.begin() as connection:
+        connection.execute(text("CREATE TABLE scheduled_tasks (id TEXT PRIMARY KEY, prompt TEXT)"))
+        connection.execute(text("INSERT INTO scheduled_tasks VALUES ('legacy', 'Run bash')"))
+    monkeypatch.setattr(database, "engine", engine)
+    database._migrate_add_task_authority_column()
+    database._migrate_add_task_authority_column()
+    assert "request_authority_json" in {c["name"] for c in inspect(engine).get_columns("scheduled_tasks")}
+    with engine.connect() as connection:
+        assert connection.execute(text("SELECT prompt, request_authority_json FROM scheduled_tasks")).one() == ("Run bash", None)
+    engine.dispose()
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_server_seeded_defaults_have_authority_but_legacy_rows_do_not_gain_it(monkeypatch, tmp_path):
+    import core.database as database
+    import routes.prefs_routes as preferences
+    from sqlalchemy import create_engine
+    from sqlalchemy.orm import sessionmaker
+    from src.task_scheduler import TaskScheduler
+    engine = create_engine(f"sqlite:///{tmp_path / 'tasks.db'}")
+    database.Base.metadata.create_all(engine)
+    sessions = sessionmaker(bind=engine)
+    monkeypatch.setattr(database, "SessionLocal", sessions)
+    monkeypatch.setattr(preferences, "_load_for_user", lambda owner: {})
+    scheduler = TaskScheduler(session_manager=None)
+    monkeypatch.setattr(scheduler, "ensure_assistant_defaults", AsyncMock())
+    with sessions() as db:
+        db.add(database.ScheduledTask(id="legacy", owner="alice", name="Legacy housekeeping",
+                                     task_type="action", action="tidy_sessions"))
+        db.commit()
+    await scheduler.ensure_defaults("alice")
+    with sessions() as db:
+        tasks = db.query(database.ScheduledTask).all()
+        assert len(tasks) > 1
+        for task in tasks:
+            grant = restore_task_authority(task.request_authority_json, task.prompt,
+                task.task_type, task.action, owner=task.owner)
+            assert grant.permits(task_operation(task.task_type, task.action, task.prompt)) == (task.id != "legacy")
+    engine.dispose()
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_dispatch_binds_explicit_authority_for_nested_handler(monkeypatch):
+    from src import tool_execution as execution
+    seen = []
+    async def handler(*args, **kwargs):
+        seen.append(active_request_authority())
+        with bind_request_authority(authority("bash", "transcribe_media")) as child:
+            assert not child.permits(ExactOperation.normalize("bash", "pwd"))
+        return "transcribe_media", {"exit_code": 0}
+    monkeypatch.setattr(execution, "_execute_tool_block_impl", handler)
+    await execution.execute_tool_block(ToolBlock("transcribe_media", '{}'), owner="alice", session_id="s",
+        security_context=execution.NO_TOOL_SECURITY_CONTEXT, request_authority=authority("transcribe_media"))
+    assert seen
+    assert active_request_authority() is None
+
+
+def test_tool_http_task_payload_is_not_new_user_authority():
+    from core.middleware import INTERNAL_TOOL_HEADER, INTERNAL_TOOL_TOKEN
+    from routes.task.task_routes import _seal_request_task_authority
+    request = SimpleNamespace(headers={INTERNAL_TOOL_HEADER: INTERNAL_TOOL_TOKEN})
+    snapshot = _seal_request_task_authority(request, "Run bash in workspace", "llm", None, "alice")
+    restored = restore_task_authority(snapshot, "Run bash in workspace", "llm", None, owner="alice")
+    assert not restored.permits(ExactOperation.normalize("bash", "pwd"))
+
+
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("marker", ["header", "middleware"])
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("owner", [None, "alice"])
+def test_internal_tool_requests_cannot_submit_user_approval(marker, owner):
+    from core.middleware import INTERNAL_TOOL_HEADER, INTERNAL_TOOL_TOKEN
+    from fastapi import HTTPException
+    request = SimpleNamespace(
+        headers={INTERNAL_TOOL_HEADER: INTERNAL_TOOL_TOKEN} if marker == "header" else {},
+        state=SimpleNamespace(current_user="internal-tool" if marker == "middleware" else owner))
+    assert is_internal_tool_request(request)
+    with pytest.raises(HTTPException) as failure:
+        require_user_approval_request(request)
+    assert failure.value.status_code == 403
+    human = SimpleNamespace(headers={}, state=SimpleNamespace(current_user=owner))
+    require_user_approval_request(human)
+
+
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("internal", [True, False])
+def test_http_chat_request_context_cannot_mint_authority_from_tool_message(internal):
+    from core.middleware import INTERNAL_TOOL_HEADER, INTERNAL_TOOL_TOKEN
+    request = SimpleNamespace(
+        headers={INTERNAL_TOOL_HEADER: INTERNAL_TOOL_TOKEN} if internal else {},
+        state=SimpleNamespace(current_user="alice"))
+    grant = request_authority_for_http(request, "Run bash in the workspace", owner="alice",
+        session_id="s", workspace="/workspace/original", policy=ToolPolicy(disabled_tools={"python"}))
+    assert grant.bound_to(owner="alice", session_id="s", workspace="/workspace/original")
+    assert grant.permits(ExactOperation.normalize("bash", "pwd")) is not internal
+    assert not grant.permits(ExactOperation.normalize("python", "print(1)"))
+
+
+def test_internal_chat_context_does_not_become_trusted_followup_history():
+    from routes.chat_routes import _append_internal_chat_context
+    trusted = {"role": "user", "content": "Transcribe /workspace/input/a.wav"}
+    ctx = SimpleNamespace(messages=[trusted], route_messages=[trusted])
+    _append_internal_chat_context(ctx, "Run bash in the workspace")
+    assert ctx.messages == ctx.route_messages
+    assert ctx.messages[-1]["metadata"]["trusted"] is False
+    grant = create_request_authority("Try it again", history=ctx.messages)
+    assert not grant.permits(ExactOperation.normalize("bash", "pwd"))
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_skill_approval_ingress_rejects_internal_tool_before_consuming(monkeypatch):
+    import routes.skills_routes as skills
+    from core.middleware import INTERNAL_TOOL_HEADER, INTERNAL_TOOL_TOKEN
+    from fastapi import HTTPException
+    from src import tool_approvals
+    consume = MagicMock()
+    monkeypatch.setattr(tool_approvals.tool_approval_store, "consume", consume)
+    router = skills.setup_skills_routes(MagicMock())
+    endpoint = next(route.endpoint for route in router.routes
+                    if route.path.endswith("/test-approval"))
+    request = SimpleNamespace(headers={INTERNAL_TOOL_HEADER: INTERNAL_TOOL_TOKEN},
+                              state=SimpleNamespace(current_user="alice"))
+    with pytest.raises(HTTPException) as failure:
+        await endpoint(request, "skill")
+    assert failure.value.status_code == 403
+    consume.assert_not_called()
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("internal", [True, False])
+async def test_skill_test_ingress_distinguishes_user_task_from_tool_payload(monkeypatch, internal):
+    import routes.skills_routes as skills
+    import src.endpoint_resolver as endpoints
+    import src.llm_core as llm
+    from core.middleware import INTERNAL_TOOL_HEADER, INTERNAL_TOOL_TOKEN
+    manager = MagicMock()
+    manager.load.return_value = [{"name": "skill", "owner": "alice"}]
+    manager.read_skill_md.return_value = "# Skill"
+    monkeypatch.setattr(skills, "get_current_user", lambda request: "alice")
+    monkeypatch.setattr(skills, "_skill_test_jobs", {})
+    monkeypatch.setattr(endpoints, "resolve_endpoint", lambda *a, **k: ("https://inference.invalid", "model", {}))
+    monkeypatch.setattr(llm, "list_model_ids", lambda *a, **k: [])
+    seen = []
+    async def run(*args, **kwargs):
+        seen.append(kwargs["request_authority"])
+    monkeypatch.setattr(skills, "_run_skill_test_job", run)
+    router = skills.setup_skills_routes(manager)
+    endpoint = next(route.endpoint for route in router.routes if route.path.endswith("/{skill_id}/test"))
+    request = SimpleNamespace(
+        headers={INTERNAL_TOOL_HEADER: INTERNAL_TOOL_TOKEN} if internal else {},
+        state=SimpleNamespace(current_user="alice"),
+        json=AsyncMock(return_value={"task": "Run bash in the workspace"}))
+    result = await endpoint(request, "skill")
+    await asyncio.sleep(0)
+    assert result["status"] == "running"
+    assert len(seen) == 1
+    assert seen[0].permits(ExactOperation.normalize("bash", "pwd")) is not internal
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_scheduled_override_cannot_replace_stored_authority(monkeypatch):
+    from src import agent_loop
+    from src.task_scheduler import TaskScheduler
+    seen = []
+    async def fake_stream(*args, **kwargs):
+        seen.append(kwargs)
+        yield 'data: {"delta":"done"}\n\n'
+        yield 'data: [DONE]\n\n'
+    monkeypatch.setattr(agent_loop, "stream_agent_loop", fake_stream)
+    task = SimpleNamespace(prompt="Transcribe /workspace/input/a.wav", task_type="llm", action=None,
+                           owner="alice", name="test", max_steps=1)
+    with bind_request_authority(authority("transcribe_media", workspace="/workspace/original")):
+        task.request_authority_json = seal_task_authority(task.prompt, "llm", None, owner="alice")
+    await TaskScheduler(session_manager=None)._run_agent_loop("https://inference.invalid", "test", task, "s",
+                                                             override_user_message="Run bash and python")
+    grant = seen[0]["request_authority"]
+    assert grant.permits(ExactOperation.normalize("transcribe_media", '{}'))
+    assert not grant.permits(ExactOperation.normalize("bash", "pwd"))
+    assert grant.workspace == "/workspace/original"
+    assert seen[0]["workspace"] == grant.workspace
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_loop_retains_denial_before_offered_inventory_reconciliation(monkeypatch):
+    from src import agent_loop as loop, tool_execution as execution
+    from src.turn_contract import resolve_turn_contract
+    implementation = AsyncMock(return_value=("bash", {"exit_code": 0, "output": "unexpected"}))
+    monkeypatch.setattr(execution, "_execute_tool_block_impl", implementation)
+    monkeypatch.setattr(loop, "get_setting", lambda key, default=None: default)
+    monkeypatch.setattr(loop, "get_mcp_manager", lambda: None)
+    monkeypatch.setattr(loop, "estimate_tokens", lambda *a, **k: 10)
+    async def fake_stream(*args, **kwargs):
+        yield 'data: ' + json.dumps({"delta": '```bash\npwd\n```'}) + '\n\n'
+    monkeypatch.setattr(loop, "stream_llm_with_fallback", fake_stream)
+    contract = resolve_turn_contract(capabilities={"shell_files"}, selected_tools={"bash"},
+        schemas=[{"function": {"name": "bash"}}], policy=ToolPolicy())
+    chunks = [chunk async for chunk in loop.stream_agent_loop(
+        "https://inference.invalid", "test", [{"role": "user", "content": "Run bash pwd"}],
+        owner="alice", session_id="s", max_rounds=1, turn_contract=contract, disabled_tools={"bash"})]
+    implementation.assert_not_awaited()
+    assert chunks[-1] == 'data: [DONE]\n\n'
+    assert active_request_authority() is None
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_authority_denial_cannot_create_completion_receipt(monkeypatch):
+    from src import tool_execution as execution
+    from src.agent_runtime.journal import ActionJournal, bind_journal
+    journal = ActionJournal()
+    with bind_journal(journal):
+        await execution.execute_tool_block(ToolBlock("bash", "pwd"), owner="alice", session_id="s",
+            security_context=execution.NO_TOOL_SECURITY_CONTEXT,
+            request_authority=authority("transcribe_media"))
+    assert len(journal.actions) == 1
+    assert journal.actions[0].execution_id is None
+    assert journal.actions[0].outcome["authoritative"] is False
+    assert journal.actions[0].outcome["blocked"] is True
diff --git a/tests/test_review_regressions.py b/tests/test_review_regressions.py
index a2df0ba65..a05c74e10 100644
--- a/tests/test_review_regressions.py
+++ b/tests/test_review_regressions.py
@@ -14,9 +14,10 @@ from src.preset_manager import PresetManager
 
 async def _execute_without_run_context(execute_tool_block, *args, **kwargs):
     from src.tool_execution import NO_TOOL_SECURITY_CONTEXT
+    from tests.runtime_evidence_helpers import server_authorized_executor
 
     kwargs.setdefault("security_context", NO_TOOL_SECURITY_CONTEXT)
-    return await execute_tool_block(*args, **kwargs)
+    return await server_authorized_executor(execute_tool_block)(*args, **kwargs)
 
 
 class _FakeColumn:
diff --git a/tests/test_runtime_evidence_contract.py b/tests/test_runtime_evidence_contract.py
index 45774e40a..c7760e723 100644
--- a/tests/test_runtime_evidence_contract.py
+++ b/tests/test_runtime_evidence_contract.py
@@ -6,6 +6,14 @@ import json
 import os
 
 import pytest
+from tests.runtime_evidence_helpers import server_authorized_executor
+
+
+@pytest.fixture(autouse=True)
+def standalone_dispatch_authority(monkeypatch):
+    from src import tool_execution
+    monkeypatch.setattr(tool_execution, "execute_tool_block",
+                        server_authorized_executor(tool_execution.execute_tool_block))
 
 from src.agent_evidence import CompletionRequirements, EvidenceLedger, EvidenceKind
 from src.agent_runtime.completion import completion_answer, with_completion_gate
diff --git a/tests/test_task_cookbook_admin_gate.py b/tests/test_task_cookbook_admin_gate.py
index d7e72f9ef..09a0b48c0 100644
--- a/tests/test_task_cookbook_admin_gate.py
+++ b/tests/test_task_cookbook_admin_gate.py
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ def builtin_action_info(monkeypatch):
 
 
 def _req(user):
-    return SimpleNamespace(state=SimpleNamespace(current_user=user))
+    return SimpleNamespace(state=SimpleNamespace(current_user=user), headers={})
 
 
 def _endpoint(method, path):
diff --git a/tests/test_task_scheduler_cancel.py b/tests/test_task_scheduler_cancel.py
index d0f080533..73b81d3cf 100644
--- a/tests/test_task_scheduler_cancel.py
+++ b/tests/test_task_scheduler_cancel.py
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ def _setup_db(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
         next_run = Column(DateTime)
         last_run = Column(DateTime)
         prompt = Column(Text, default='')
+        request_authority_json = Column(Text)
         trigger_type = Column(String, default='schedule')
         schedule = Column(String, default='daily')
         scheduled_time = Column(String, default='08:00')
@@ -187,9 +188,11 @@ def test_running_task_cancel_keeps_event_loop_responsive_during_database_lock(tm
     from src.task_scheduler import TaskScheduler
     from src.builtin_actions import BUILTIN_ACTIONS
     monkeypatch.setenv('BACKGROUND_TASK_FOREGROUND_GATE', 'false')
+    from src.agent_runtime.authority import seal_task_authority
     with session_local() as db:
         db.add(ScheduledTask(id='running-task', owner='alice', name='Fixture action',
-            task_type='action', action='fixture_wait', status='active'))
+            task_type='action', action='fixture_wait', status='active',
+            request_authority_json=seal_task_authority('', 'action', 'fixture_wait', owner='alice')))
         db.commit()
     started = asyncio.Event()
     async def external_action(**kwargs):
diff --git a/tests/test_tool_approvals.py b/tests/test_tool_approvals.py
index b75127b7d..aefa7931b 100644
--- a/tests/test_tool_approvals.py
+++ b/tests/test_tool_approvals.py
@@ -4,6 +4,14 @@ import time
 from collections import namedtuple
 
 import pytest
+from tests.runtime_evidence_helpers import server_authorized_executor
+
+
+@pytest.fixture(autouse=True)
+def standalone_dispatch_authority(monkeypatch):
+    from src import tool_execution
+    monkeypatch.setattr(tool_execution, "execute_tool_block",
+                        server_authorized_executor(tool_execution.execute_tool_block))
 
 from src.tool_approvals import ToolApprovalStore, document_content_digest
 from src.tool_capabilities import ToolRunSecurityContext, capabilities_for_action
diff --git a/tests/test_tool_path_confinement.py b/tests/test_tool_path_confinement.py
index d8e1400fc..8c3e60414 100644
--- a/tests/test_tool_path_confinement.py
+++ b/tests/test_tool_path_confinement.py
@@ -18,6 +18,14 @@ from types import SimpleNamespace
 from unittest.mock import patch
 
 import pytest
+from tests.runtime_evidence_helpers import server_authorized_executor
+
+
+@pytest.fixture(autouse=True)
+def standalone_dispatch_authority(monkeypatch):
+    from src import tool_execution
+    monkeypatch.setattr(tool_execution, "execute_tool_block",
+                        server_authorized_executor(tool_execution.execute_tool_block))
 
 
 def _make_block(tool_type, content):
diff --git a/tests/test_tool_policy.py b/tests/test_tool_policy.py
index 166ede246..40d875cb2 100644
--- a/tests/test_tool_policy.py
+++ b/tests/test_tool_policy.py
@@ -17,6 +17,9 @@ from src.tool_policy import (
     web_search_enabled_for_turn,
 )
 from src.turn_contract import requested_capabilities
+from tests.runtime_evidence_helpers import server_authorized_executor
+
+execute_tool_block = server_authorized_executor(execute_tool_block)
 
 
 def _collect(gen):
diff --git a/tests/test_turn_contract.py b/tests/test_turn_contract.py
index 74c03ff67..1ff2d14a5 100644
--- a/tests/test_turn_contract.py
+++ b/tests/test_turn_contract.py
@@ -1806,6 +1806,8 @@ def test_candidate_schema_changes_cannot_mutate_contract():
 async def test_dispatcher_enforces_bound_contract_without_external_mutations(monkeypatch):
     from src import tool_execution, tool_implementations
     from src.tool_execution import NO_TOOL_SECURITY_CONTEXT, execute_tool_block
+    from tests.runtime_evidence_helpers import server_authorized_executor
+    execute_tool_block = server_authorized_executor(execute_tool_block)
 
     handler = AsyncMock(return_value={"events": [], "exit_code": 0})
     monkeypatch.setattr(tool_implementations, "do_manage_calendar", handler)
diff --git a/tests/test_turn_contract_integration.py b/tests/test_turn_contract_integration.py
index caa9bae42..642ad96c1 100644
--- a/tests/test_turn_contract_integration.py
+++ b/tests/test_turn_contract_integration.py
@@ -4,6 +4,14 @@ import json
 from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, Mock
 
 import pytest
+from tests.runtime_evidence_helpers import server_authorized_executor
+
+
+@pytest.fixture(autouse=True)
+def standalone_dispatch_authority(monkeypatch):
+    from src import tool_execution
+    monkeypatch.setattr(tool_execution, "execute_tool_block",
+                        server_authorized_executor(tool_execution.execute_tool_block))
 
 from src.tool_policy import ToolPolicy
 from src.tool_schemas import FUNCTION_TOOL_SCHEMAS
diff --git a/tests/test_update_plan_tool.py b/tests/test_update_plan_tool.py
index 842be246f..9973d6bbd 100644
--- a/tests/test_update_plan_tool.py
+++ b/tests/test_update_plan_tool.py
@@ -11,6 +11,9 @@ from src.agent_tools import ToolBlock, TOOL_TAGS  # import first to avoid circul
 from src.tool_execution import NO_TOOL_SECURITY_CONTEXT, execute_tool_block
 from src.tool_index import ALWAYS_AVAILABLE, BUILTIN_TOOL_DESCRIPTIONS
 from src.tool_security import is_public_blocked_tool
+from tests.runtime_evidence_helpers import server_authorized_executor
+
+execute_tool_block = server_authorized_executor(execute_tool_block)
 
 
 def _run(content):
diff --git a/tests/test_weather_search_recovery.py b/tests/test_weather_search_recovery.py
index 043120d20..e974b7787 100644
--- a/tests/test_weather_search_recovery.py
+++ b/tests/test_weather_search_recovery.py
@@ -10,6 +10,9 @@ from src.tool_policy import WEB_TOOL_NAMES, ToolPolicy
 from src.tool_schemas import FUNCTION_TOOL_SCHEMAS
 from src.tool_types import ToolBlock
 from src.tool_execution import NO_TOOL_SECURITY_CONTEXT, execute_tool_block
+from tests.runtime_evidence_helpers import server_authorized_executor
+
+execute_tool_block = server_authorized_executor(execute_tool_block)
 from src.turn_contract import FAMILY_TOOLS
 
 
diff --git a/tests/test_workspace_confine.py b/tests/test_workspace_confine.py
index 25ca7c192..d033b6481 100644
--- a/tests/test_workspace_confine.py
+++ b/tests/test_workspace_confine.py
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ import tempfile
 from types import SimpleNamespace
 
 import pytest
+from tests.runtime_evidence_helpers import server_authorized_executor
 
 from src.tool_execution import (
     NO_TOOL_SECURITY_CONTEXT,
@@ -31,6 +32,9 @@ from src.tool_execution import (
 )
 
 
+_execute_tool_block = server_authorized_executor(_execute_tool_block)
+
+
 async def execute_tool_block(*args, **kwargs):
     kwargs.setdefault("security_context", NO_TOOL_SECURITY_CONTEXT)
     return await _execute_tool_block(*args, **kwargs)
diff --git a/website/configuration-reference.md b/website/configuration-reference.md
index fc2a3bdeb..69b3bea60 100644
--- a/website/configuration-reference.md
+++ b/website/configuration-reference.md
@@ -222,7 +222,7 @@ Listed for completeness. Setting one of these on a real install is either a no-o
 | `ODYSSEUS_QA_TEACHER_TIMEOUT` | `'120'` | `scripts/odysseus_conversation_qa.py:372` | Timeout in seconds for that call. Clamped to 15-120. |
 | `ODYSSEUS_RUNTIME_REVISION` | `''` | `routes/chat_helpers.py:198` (+1 more) | Revision string stamped into each captured SFT trace record, so a trace can be tied back to the build that produced it. |
 | `ODYSSEUS_SFT_DISABLE_WORKSPACE_TOOLS` | `'1'` | `src/agent_loop.py:7407` | On by default. Keeps synthetic personal-assistant fixtures out of workspace mode; set 0, false, no or off to let them through. |
-| `ODYSSEUS_SFT_FORCE_UTC_TIMEZONE` | `'0'` | `routes/chat_routes.py:2070` | Truthy forces `sft_` accounts to UTC for deterministic batch generation. Interactive accounts still follow the browser timezone. |
+| `ODYSSEUS_SFT_FORCE_UTC_TIMEZONE` | `'0'` | `routes/chat_routes.py:2080` | Truthy forces `sft_` accounts to UTC for deterministic batch generation. Interactive accounts still follow the browser timezone. |
 | `ODYSSEUS_SFT_TRACE_CAPTURE` | `'1'` | `routes/chat_helpers.py:161` (+1 more) | On by default, but only for owners whose name starts with `sft_`. Set 0, false, no or off to stop writing training traces. |
 | `ODYSSEUS_SFT_TRACE_DIR` | *unset* | `routes/chat_helpers.py:195` (+2 more) | Directory the SFT trace JSONL files are written to. Defaults to `sft_traces` under the data directory. |
 | `ODYSSEUS_SKIP_RUN_HINT` | *unset* | `setup.py:284` | Any non-empty value suppresses the `start the server with` hint at the end of setup. `start-macos.sh` sets it because it starts the server itself. |