(a) The commission may issue a permit to dispose of brine produced by a desalination operation or of drinking water treatment residuals in a Class I injection well if the applicant for the permit meets all the statutory and regulatory requirements for the issuance of a permit for a Class I injection well.
(a-1) A permit issued under this section may authorize the disposal of water treatment residuals produced by the desalination of seawater.

(b) The commission by rule shall provide for public notice and comment on an application for a permit authorized by this section. Notwithstanding § 27.018, an application for a permit authorized by this section is not subject to the hearing requirements of Chapter 2001, Government Code.