diff --git a/.github/ionic-issue-bot.yml b/.github/ionic-issue-bot.yml
index 35ecb9864dc..745214d60f2 100644
--- a/.github/ionic-issue-bot.yml
+++ b/.github/ionic-issue-bot.yml
@@ -37,6 +37,7 @@ stale:
   days: 180
   maxIssuesPerRun: 100
   exemptLabels:
+    - "Bug: Needs Validation"
     - "Feature: Want this? Upvote it!"
     - good first issue
     - help wanted