# start_task_run

Start a local run ledger entry for a task. Optionally claims the task for the agent. Never uploads artifacts or calls hosted APIs.

Agent View of the PolicyLayer registry record for `start_task_run`. HTML page: https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/start-task-run

## Facts

- Tool: `start_task_run`
- Server: Todos (`@hasna/todos`) — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos.md
- Install: `npx -y @hasna/todos`
- Homepage: git+https://github.com/hasna/todos.git
- Risk category: Write (Medium risk)
- Registry record: grade F, identity unverified
- Server rate-limited: no
- Parameters: 0
- Recommended policy verdict: Rate-limited

## Example call (MCP tools/call, JSON-RPC 2.0)

```json
{
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "id": 1,
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "name": "start_task_run",
    "arguments": {}
  }
}
```

## Why start_task_run is rated Medium

The tool creates a new local run ledger entry and optionally claims/assigns a task to the agent. This is a Write operation (creating a new record, modifying task ownership state) that is reversible. The phrase 'Never uploads artifacts or calls hosted APIs' confirms limited blast radius, but misuse could disrupt task tracking or incorrectly claim tasks.

From the tool's own definition: "'Start a local run ledger entry for a task. Optionally claims the task for the agent. Never uploads artifacts or calls hosted APIs.'"

## Use case

AI agents use start_task_run to create or update resources in Todos, usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Todos environment.

## Recommended policy (PolicyLayer)

Verdict: **Rate-limited**. Enforced by the PolicyLayer MCP gateway (https://policylayer.com/mcp-gateway) before a call reaches Todos:

```json
{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "start_task_run": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "start_task_run_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}
```

## Other tools on Todos (527)

- `apply_retention_cleanup` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/apply-retention-cleanup.md
- `bulk_delete_tasks` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/bulk-delete-tasks.md
- `cancel_agent_run` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/cancel-agent-run.md
- `cancel_agent_run_dispatch` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/cancel-agent-run-dispatch.md
- `cancel_dispatch` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/cancel-dispatch.md
- `cleanup_artifacts` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/cleanup-artifacts.md
- `delete_agent` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/delete-agent.md
- `delete_artifact` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/delete-artifact.md
- `delete_comment` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/delete-comment.md
- `delete_label` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/delete-label.md
- `delete_milestone` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/delete-milestone.md
- `delete_plan` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/delete-plan.md
- `delete_project` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/delete-project.md
- `delete_roadmap` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/delete-roadmap.md
- `delete_search_view` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/delete-search-view.md
- `delete_tag` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/delete-tag.md
- `delete_task` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/delete-task.md
- `delete_task_list` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/delete-task-list.md
- `delete_template` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/delete-template.md
- `delete_watch_rule` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/delete-watch-rule.md
- `machines_archive` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/machines-archive.md
- `machines_delete` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/machines-delete.md
- `remove_agent_run_adapter` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/remove-agent-run-adapter.md
- `remove_capacity_profile` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/remove-capacity-profile.md
- `remove_encryption_profile` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/remove-encryption-profile.md
- `remove_local_event_hook` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/remove-local-event-hook.md
- `remove_local_extension` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/remove-local-extension.md
- `remove_policy_pack` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/remove-policy-pack.md
- `remove_review_routing_rule` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/remove-review-routing-rule.md
- `remove_runner_sandbox_profile` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/remove-runner-sandbox-profile.md
- …and 497 more: https://policylayer.com/tools/todos.md

## For agents

This record is a snapshot. Live verdicts and the full registry:

- Check every server in your MCP config at once: `npx -y policylayer stack`
- Vet a server before you add it: install the mcp-precheck skill — `npx skills add https://policylayer.com` (skill text: https://policylayer.com/skill.md)
- Query the registry over MCP: endpoint `https://api.policylayer.com/mcp` — tools `check_mcp_server`, `check_mcp_stack`, `check_tool`, `search_registry`, `get_change_events`

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Source: the PolicyLayer MCP registry — one continuously verified record per MCP server. Full record: https://policylayer.com/registry?q=todos · API: https://policylayer.com/registry/api · Policy library: https://policylayer.com/policies/todos