<!--IssueSummary start--> <details> <summary> Everyone can contribute. [Help move this issue forward](https://handbook.gitlab.com/handbook/marketing/developer-relations/contributor-success/community-contributors-workflows/#contributor-links) while earning points, leveling up and collecting rewards. </summary> - [Close this issue](https://contributors.gitlab.com/manage-issue?action=close&projectId=278964&issueIid=519623) </details> <!--IssueSummary end--> Currently, our CODEOWNERS implementation supports file exclusion using the `!#{path}` syntax, allowing organizations to exclude specific files from codeowner rules. We want to extend this functionality to support re-inclusion of previously excluded files, similar to `.gitignore`'s behavior. **Current Behavior:** - Files can be excluded using `!#{path}` syntax - Exclusions are final within their section - No way to re-include previously excluded files **Proposed Behavior:** - Allow re-inclusion of previously excluded files - Maintain consistent behavior within CODEOWNERS sections **Technical Requirements:** 1. Explore complexity required in a SPIKE 2. Implement logic for re-inclusion rules **Considerations:** - Performance impact of additional rule processing - Complexity of rule evaluation order - Clear documentation for users - Edge cases handling *** _Description was generated using AI_