diff --git a/askcc/definitions.py b/askcc/definitions.py
index a6d89eb..ed1f603 100644
--- a/askcc/definitions.py
+++ b/askcc/definitions.py
@@ -167,10 +167,10 @@
 
 ## Post-Update Verification
 
-Re-read the body (`gh issue view <url> --json body -q .body`) and confirm both \
-`## Acceptance Criteria` (with a `- [ ]` checklist item) and `## Dependencies` (or \
-Prerequisites/Context/Blockers) headings are present. Re-edit and re-verify until both pass — \
-`develop` rejects the issue otherwise.
+Re-read the body and assignees (`gh issue view <url> --json body,assignees`) and confirm \
+(a) `## Acceptance Criteria` heading with a `- [ ]` checklist item, (b) `## Dependencies` (or \
+Prerequisites/Context/Blockers) heading is present, and (c) at least one assignee is set. \
+Re-edit / re-assign and re-verify until all three pass — `develop` rejects the issue otherwise.
 
 ## Summary Comment
 
diff --git a/pyproject.toml b/pyproject.toml
index c846016..ed6d0a4 100644
--- a/pyproject.toml
+++ b/pyproject.toml
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 [project]
 name = "askcc"
-version = "0.2.12"
+version = "0.2.13"
 description = "A one-shot cc cli executor"
 authors = [{ name = "mknt", email = "shane.cousins@gmail.com" }]
 readme = "README.md"
diff --git a/uv.lock b/uv.lock
index 177f36d..d1c213b 100644
--- a/uv.lock
+++ b/uv.lock
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ requires-python = "==3.14.*"
 
 [[package]]
 name = "askcc"
-version = "0.2.12"
+version = "0.2.13"
 source = { editable = "." }
 
 [package.dev-dependencies]